Sunday, September 11, 2016

WorkPlace: Capital One (IMC)

Pengalaman kerja di IMC (Integrated Mission Control) adalah salah satu pengalaman kerja yang paling unik dalam hidup gue. Soalnya kerjaan gue di sini adalah memantau call center untuk 10 departemen yang berbeda2x dan untuk lokasi2x kantor di seluruh Amerika, bahkan sampai ke luar negri segala, seperti untuk cabang yang di Filipina dan Amerika Selatan. Keren deh. Biasanya gue duduk di tengah2 command center, dimana ada skitar 12 sampe 16 monitor komputer, plus tambah laptop gue pula. Srasa jadi Batman! Kalo liat film Batman, pasti liat ruangan bawah tanahnya dia yang penuh dengan layar2x komputer untuk Batman, Robin, dan Alfred, kan?

IMC ini bergengsi banget deh. Isinya orang2 pintar semua di bidang teknologi dan call center monitoring. Gak cuma ngawasin jalannya call flow, tapi juga kalo ada insiden-insiden yang menyangkut sistem software, kita juga turut berperan untuk mengkontek IT engineers dan para orang teknisi lain untuk fix the problem.  Kita harus memastikan semua telpon customer diterima di channel yang benar, dan dalam waktu yang singkat (artinya customer gak boleh terlalu lama "nunggu" untuk dilayani).

Pertama-tama, gue diwawancara oleh calon boss gue, Kim dan Mary. Mereka ini cewek2x tangguh yang sudah lama berkecimpung di dunia bisnis call center. Gue dan Betty - rekan kerja gue dari Ops dulu! Baca blog sebelumnya: WorkPlace: Capital One (Ops Desk), diterima oleh mereka untuk masuk IMC. Hari pertama kita kerja adalah 17 Maret 2014.  Dan yang akan mentraining kita adalah Patty, wanita bijaksana yang berbakat pemimpin dan cerdas sekali! Masa trainingnya cukup singkat, hanya 2 minggu. Tapi materi yang dipelajari banyak sekali! Sampe2 gue agak2 minder, takut bikin kesalahan.

Gue jadinya kenalan lagi sama rekan2 kerja baru di IMC:
- Jeannine : cewek berambut super pendek ini hebat banget deh kalo menangani insiden! Dia juga dulunya guru biola! Doi nih yang nantinya ngajarin gue main biola! Permainan biola pertama gue ditampilkan di blogpost yang ini. Dia juga seneng investasi saham2x, jadi kadang2 gue malah ngomong2x soal investasi sama doi.
- Noe : cewek kelahiran Hawaii ini orangnya baik, manis, dan barusan menikah dengan pacarnya, Peter. Noe dan gue punya satu kesamaan. Kita sama2x penganut aliran Dave Ramsey! Pernah sekali dia kasih gue tiket untuk menghadiri satu sesi pendidikan keuangannya Dave. Enak punya temen kayak gini, jadinya kita sama2 punya goal untuk mencapai kondisi finansial yang lebih baik!
- Patty : wanita separuh baya ini kaya akan pengalaman di IMC, juga di pengalaman hidup. Karena Patty dan gue sama2x kerja shift malam, kita akhirnya jadi banyak cerita2x tentang kehidupan masing2x, dan saling belajar dari satu sama lain. Gue kagum dan salut akan kepribadiannya beliau yang kuat. Dan juga rasa kekeluargaannya dia besar sekali! Jadi kangen sama Patty... :)
- Bree : doi kalo bicara lantang, ceplas ceplos, berani, lucu, humoris, banyak pengetahuan, pintar, dan punya anjing chihuahua lucu yang namanya Peanut. Gue suka ketawa ngakak kalo Bree udah kumat becandanya. Dia ini juga salah satu sahabat karib gue di IMC, karena doi juga kerja shift malam bareng2 gue dan Patty. Terus gue paling seneng kalo dia bawa anjingnya ke kantor. Peanut tuh lucu abis!! Dan setelah gue rayu2x, akhirnya Peanut mau juga duduk sama gue! Yay!
- Monnie : cewek yang satu ini juga tangguh dan kelihatan perkasa. Maklum, dulu doi pernah kerja di dunia militer (di Navy kalo gak salah). Monnie punya anak satu yang namanya Heidi, dan Heidi ini pandai sekali. Sopan pula. Pasti bener nih doi mendidiknya. Monnie juga rada2x mirip Bree, kalo bicara langsung saja dilontarkan apa yang ada di pikirannya.
- Panna : cowok Asia yang satu ini unik banget. Pinter kayak geek squad, tapi pecinta damai dan dunia musik. Salah satu cita-citanya adalah jadi DJ around the world. Seru, kan? Orangnya juga sabar sekali. Sayang gue jarang ketemu Panna, karena dia kerja shift pagi.
- Cory: cowok bule tinggi kurus ini kelihatannya cuek di permukaan, tetapi dia sebetulnya orang yang baik. Dan pinternya setengah mati. Setiap kali gue punya masalah teknikal di IMC, gue nanya dia, dan dia pasti bisa menolong dan mengajari gue bagaimana untuk memecahkan masalah itu. Gue harus terima kasih banyak sama Cory karena dia selalu gak segan2x untuk membantu gue dalam pekerjaan IMC yang rada2x sulit awalnya.
- Lenny: cowok ini kalo ngomong agak2x menggumam, jadi kadang gue nggak denger dia ngomong apa. Hobinya denger musik heavy metal, dimana gue agak2x takjub. Cowok pendiam kayak gini penggemar berat musik metalika? Tapi beneran deh, itu kenyataannya. Lenny ini pintar, cepat mencari jalan keluar, dan juga asik untuk diajak berteman. Yang gue demen tuh, kadang2x Lenny bawa snack2 dari perusahaan pacarnya (pacarnya kerja di Frito Lay, or something like that). Yayyyy!
- Brookes : cewek ini demen nonton film2x Korea, dan doi menyarankan gue juga ikutan nonton lewat viki.com. Dia suka mewarnai rambutnya dengan berbagai macam warna : ungu, hijau, biru, hehehe. Seneng juga ngeliatnya. Doi juga termasuk wanita dominan yang kalo bicara tuh to the point.
- Betty : dulunya gue dan Betty deket banget di Ops Desk. Yah, secara cubicle kita dulu sebelahan. Tapi sejak pindah ke IMC, dan karena jadwal kerja kita berlainan, gue nggak gitu deket lagi. Gue kerja malem, dia kerja pagi. Dia masuk kerja saat gue libur. Tapi gue masih sayang sama Betty karena gue banyak sekali belajar dari pengalaman Betty yang sangat kaya akan suka duka kehidupan. Dan nantinya, Betty ini yang jadi salah satu penasihat gue waktu kita akan menghadapi lay off dari perusahaan ini. Nasihat beliau adalah supaya gue tidak menyerah begitu saja dalam mencari pekerjaan baru. Singkatnya, semuanya gue uraikan di blogpost Living The Dream (work).
- Shannon : cowok botak yang humoris ini selalu bikin kita ketawa. Dia juga pintar, kadang2x suka ngasih gue pertanyaan2x matematika, keuangan, atau soal2x kehidupan. Gue dan Shannon paling suka ngebahas finance, yang bikin orang2x lain suka tutup kuping, hahahaha. Soalnya kita kalo udah ngobrol bisa lupa waktu dan lupa orang lain sih! Saking serunya!
- Kim : boss gue yang satu ini punya etika kerja yang luar biasa bagus. Juga terhadap keluarganya. Salut dan angkat topi deh untuk beliau! Kim ini orangnya tenang dalam menghadapi segala sesuatu. Tidak mudah panik. Kim juga bijaksana. Kalo kita ada problem apa gitu, dia bisa dengan kalemnya menyarankan jalan keluar yang logis dan mudah dipahami. Dan mudah diterima. Gue banyak belajar dari Kim. Juga, beliau selalu mengutamakan kesehatan dan gaya hidup sehat. Tiap hari kalo lunch doi sukanya bawa salad dari rumah (salah satu habit yang gue tiru sampe skarang).
- Mary : cewek keturunan Asia yang kecil mungil ini pintarnya setengah mati. Mungkin mendekati taraf2x jenius kali. Mary bisa dengan jeli melihat satu masalah dan membuat jalan keluarnya di waktu yang bersamaan. Ibu beranak tiga ini (eh, nantinya empat, denger2x doi baru lahiran anak perempuan), suka main sepeda bersama anak2 lelakinya. Mary ini mandiri, tapi hatinya baik sekali. Kadang2 dia juga suka melempar lelucon kering (dry humor) yang bikin orang ketawa.
- Dan : boss gue dulu di Ops Desk, yang akhirnya gabung di IMC dan jadi boss gue. Dan ini orangnya sederhana, bajunya biasanya kotak2x, dan pintar dalam hal komunikasi. Dia selalu menasihati gue untuk bicara to the point, effective and efficient communication, intinya yang penting2x saja, dan sajikan dalam bentuk point2x. Dia juga rendah hati dan mau belajar banyak dari orang2 di sekitarnya. Yang gue suka dari Dan itu, adalah sikapnya yang gigih dalam menghadapi kehidupan, dan juga sifat kebapakannya terhadap keluarganya. Pernah sekali waktu gue ulang tahun, Dan dengan sengaja memberi gue surprise! Jadi ceritanya ultah gue kan mau dirayain di kantor dengan teman2 IMC, dengan acara potong kue, ... eh tau2x si Lloyd (suami gue tercinta) masuk ke ruangan IMC dan bergabung dengan gue! Ini pasti idenya si Dan, dan beneran it was! Thank you Dan, you've made my day!

Dari masa2x kerja gue di IMC, gue juga jadi punya kenalan banyak dengan departemen2 lain, manajer2 di kota2x yang berbeda2x, bahkan beberapa teman baru dari Alabang, Filipina. Banyak wawasan, banyak masukan. Network yang sangat luas. Seolah-olah dunia baru terbuka untuk gua.

Sayangnya, pada bulan Juli 2015, ada pengumuman penting yang akhirnya merubah hidup gue secara drastis. Kantor kami di Tigard akan di-layoff dari kantor pusat di Virginia.  Bukan salah siapa2x sih, ini keputusan bisnis dari pihak korporat. Waktu gue mendengar pengumuman itu, darah seolah2 hilang dari muka gua! Yang gue pikirkan cuma satu: bagaimana gue bisa bayar hipotek rumah, dan tagihan2 hidup lainnya? Tanggal terakhir kami akan bekerja di sana adalah 11 Desember 2015.

Tetapi perusahaan ini adalah perusahaan yang baik. Dari bulan Juli sampai Desember, mereka mengadakan kelas2x khusus untuk membantu kita dalam usaha kita mencari kerjaan baru. Membuat resume, bagaimana menghadapi wawancara, ilmu negosiasi, dan lain lain. Gue sangat bersyukur dengan kesempatan ini, karena gue jadi belajar banyak dari kelas2 itu.

Dan akhirnya, beberapa hari sebelum tanggal 11 Desember 2015, gue mengembalikan laptop gue dan akses2x lainnya. Dan finally say goodbye untuk perusahaan dimana gue sudah bekerja selama sembilan tahun (6 tahun HSBC, 3 tahun Capital One). Kenapa gue bilang sembilan tahun? Karena gue gak pernah pindah2x ke perusahaan lain. Capital One membeli salah satu divisi HSBC dimana gue dulu bekerja di dalamnya.

Gue sangat berterima kasih kepada semua orang di HSBC dan Capital One yang banyak berperan membentuk gua sampai sekarang. Dan lucunya, pada hari yang sama, tanggal 11 Desember 2015, adalah hari dimana gue menerima telpon dari perusahaan berikut (berarti blognya masih to be continued nih!), menyatakan bahwa gue diterima kerja di sana dan akhirnya gue bergabung bekerja bersama mereka, yaitu Bank of America.

Satu pintu ditutup, dan pintu baru terbuka.

Life is like a book. One chapter ended, and a new one begins.



Saturday, September 10, 2016

Get Happy



I love shopping. Even if it's just for a soap. One of my favorite store is Bath and Body Works, and I always like their selections of hand soaps, shower gels, hand sanitizers, body lotions, etc. I usually get different kind of scents in one shopping trips, so this way we can alternate the soap, depends on our mood. What I have now in our shower is the "Get Happy" shower gel.

At first, I thought it was a grammatical error. I thought it's supposed to be "Be Happy". But the more I'm thinking about it, the more I realized that it is actually meant for us to "Get Happiness". To "Get Happy". Is happiness something that we should get? That we should pursue everyday?

I believe the answer is yes. We should always strive to "get happy". There will be a lot of things in life that will keep us distracted from the path of happiness. There will be some events that keep us off track. But no matter what, we should try to master happiness. There will be time later on to be sad. To grieve. But in the meantime, why not try to be happy?

In one of my blog post, Don't Worry Be Happy, it was outlined that to be happy is to be content. If in every single moment of your life, if you always happy, you'll lead a happy life. And a happy life is a great life!

Today, I wish you to be happy. If not, then get it! Get Happy! :)

WorkPlace: Capital One (Ops Desk)

Tanggal 24 September 2012 adalah hari yang cukup bersejarah bagi gue. Termasuk salah satu hari yang paling bikin gua bahagia, dech! Gimana tidak? Setelah 6 tahun kerja sebagai kolektor di HSBC (departemen HSBC kartu kredit dibeli oleh Capital One, jadilah gue karyawan Capital One) akhirnya gue dapet kerjaan baru sebagai Ops Desk Analyst di departemen Fraud Detection-nya Capital One!

Sebelumnya, gue diwawancara oleh Bu Lisa (Head departement Fraud Recovery dari kota Salinas, California), dan Pak John (Bosnya Bu Lisa, Kepala bagian Fraud seluruhnya : ya termasuk Detection, Prevention, dan Recovery). Beruntung banget bisa diwawancara oleh Pak John, karena beliau adalah salah satu penggede pengambil keputusan untuk hire gue atau tidak! Wow!

Wawancara kedua: dengan my future boss, yaitu Bu Irene. Irene ini orangnya kecil kecil cabe rawit. Pandangannya tajam, bicaranya mantap dan tegas pula. Tapi kalo doi ketawa itu terbahak2x dari hati, sampai kita jadi pingin ikut2 ketawa juga, hehehe. Irene ini mengepalai bagian Ops Desk dan FACT/FARNA. Lokasi beliau di Salinas, California. Sedangkan nanti ini gue kerja untuk Ops Desk cabang Tigard, Oregon. 

Setelah gue lulus interview dan diterima kerja di bagian itu, gue bakalan dikirim training ke Salinas, California selama sepuluh hari (8-17 Oktober 2012). Wih, pas gue denger kabar itu, gue jingkrak2x kesenangan deh! Temen gue, Alex, sampe bilang,"You're lucky pants!!!" Yep, I am so lucky! :) Senyum lebar2x pas denger kabar itu. Tapi sebelumnya, gue ditraining di Tigard dulu sama salah satu anggota Ops Desk, namanya Elise. Elise dateng dari Salinas ke Tigard, dari tanggal 25 Sept - 5 Okt 2012 kalo gak salah.

Ada 2 orang yang diterima sebagai Ops Desk dari Collection: gue dan Amanda. Elise training kami berdua di Tigard, setelah itu gue dan Amanda pergi ke Salinas selama sepuluh hari. Wah, cihui banget deh! Ada cerita lucu sedikit pas hari keberangkatan pesawat di tanggal 8 Okt. Gue udah bangun super pagi hari. Tapi mungkin saking semangatnya, gak tau kenapa, gue tiba rada2x telat di airport. Nah, jadilah gue lari terbirit2x ke pesawat, dan jatuh duduk di kursi yang tersedia di Southwest Airlines (di pesawat ini duduknya bebas, gak ditentuin). Phew! Untung kaga ketinggalan pesawat...

Waktu gue di Salinas, gue ketemu rekan2 kerja gue yang berlokasi di cabang sana. Yaitu: Irene (the boss!), Juanita (asisten manajernya Irene - orangnya cantik, hitam manis gitu, punya anak 3 dan bersuamikan polisi), Debi (pintarnya setengah mati! yang ngurusin MIS reports), Lorena (doi nantinya pindah ke Tigard di bulan Mei 2013), Annie (doski juga nantinya pindah ke Tigard di bulan Oktober 2013), Toni (cewek satu ini cantik banget kayak model, dan baiknya setengah mati!!! Toni ini yang selalu mendukung gue dan selalu wish me sukses. Hebat deh pokoknya!), Elise (dimana nanti Elise akan pindah ke departemen lain sebagai trainer), Lori (dia ini asisten manajernya Irene untuk bidang FACT/FARNA).

Mereka ini gue juluki "fun fearless females" - soalnya kalo kerja bener2x kerja keras, tapi kalo have fun juga mantep abis! Irene baik sekali, doi bawa kita ke resto Beni Hana (resto fave dia dan gue!), terus pas hari terakhir (dimana bertepatan dengan hari ultah gue ke-34!), kita semua cuma kerja setengah hari, abis itu kita makan siang di PF Changs (yum! enak banget deh! udah gitu Irene pake acara kasih gue dome coklat kecil untuk dessert bday gue, yay.. thanks Irene!!), nonton film Perfect Pitch 1 di bioskop, lalu pergi jalan2x di Fisherman's Wharf yang terletak di kota Sacramento, California.

Selesai training, balik lah gue dan Amanda ke Tigard. Kita menempati lokasi kantor di building C. Kita juga kerja bareng2x departemen Fact, bersama Lori, Soila (pindahan dari Salinas), dan Susan (temen satu departement di Collections dulu!). Senang banget kerja di masa2x ini. Biasa, kerjaan baru. Di sini kita bertanggung jawab atas skedul pegawai2 yang bekerja di Fraud Detection, Fraud Recovery, dan Fraud Prevention (sebagian kecil, gak seluruhnya Prevention).  Dan kita mengkoordinir jadwal kerja untuk pegawai Tigard dan Salinas. Komunikasi lewat messenger/instant messaging. Dan tentunya juga lewat email. 

Sistemnya cukup canggih. Kita juga memantau telpon2xnya pegawai Fraud Detection dan Fraud Recovery. Artinya kita harus mengawasi dan memastikan mereka menerima telpon customer2x, dan sesuai dengan jadwal kerja mereka, dimana itu juga meliputi waktu makan siang dan waktu istirahatnya mereka. Pertama-tama cukup sulit, tapi setelah berbulan-bulan kemudian, gue "nangkep" maksudnya dan jadi terbiasa dengan sistem kerja Ops Desk. Lama2x, gue jadi suka deh!

Kadang2 Irene suka datang mengunjungi kantor cabang kami di Tigard. Dan kalo Irene dateng, kita semua pasti makan enak deh. Irene ini punya cara yang bagus untuk menikmati hidup! Dia selalu bilang,"Kita ini kerja serius, tapi ada have fun-nya juga, biar nggak stress." Gue sih setuju2x aja, hihihihi. Kadang2x kita semua makan di restoran Sanchez (masakan Meksiko, enak banget! Terutama menu yang namanya Sopes! Yum), pernah juga pergi river cruise di Portland, terus ke Multnomah Falls yang sejuk2x dingin, juga ke resto Beni Hana di Tigard. Pokoknya asik banget deh acara kumpul2nya!

Setelah setahun, akhirnya cabang di Salinas dibubarkan oleh kantor pusat. Jadinya tim gue hanya terdiri dari orang-orang yang hanya kerja di Tigard. Sedih deh. Soalnya temen2x Salinas tuh kompak banget, dan asik berat kalo diajak bergaul. Mereka membuat kerja gak jadi suntuk. Jadi ringan gituh. Dan terus terang aza, semenjak gue kerja di Ops Desk, gue jadi memperhatikan penampilan. Lah, mereka semua kayak model gitu penampilannya, hehehe, gue jadi ketularan dech. Ikut-ikutan fashion! 

Dari team Salinas, hanya 3 orang yang hijrah ke Tigard, Oregon: Lorena, Annie, dan Dion (anak baru dari Fraud Detection Salinas). Dion ini orangnya baik, lucu, dan mau belajar. Salut deh gue dengan semangatnya doi! Irene memutuskan untuk gak pindah ke Tigard, jadi dia lagi cari2x pengganti. Beberapa bulan kemudian, Irene akhirnya memutuskan untuk mempekerjakan Daniel, dimana Dan ini nantinya jadi boss gue di Ops Desk, dan juga jadi boss gue di episode berikut: WorkPlace: Capital One (IMC).

Tim Ops Desk Tigard sendiri juga berubah. Sekarang tim kita adalah: gue, Betty (wanita senior yang baik, rendah hati, pintar bergaul, dan crafty!), Li (serasa kayak adik gue sendiri deh! pintar pula, punya master degree segala lho!), Dion, Ben (cowok kece ini nantinya jadi manajernya Lloyd di Fraud Detection! orangnya baik dan punya kemampuan bicara yang bagus sekali! gue harus banyak belajar dari dia!), Bill (dulu dia ini adalah pimpinan Fraud cabang Filipina! Hebat ya~!), Lorena, Annie, dan tentunya Pak Dan yang ditraining langsung oleh Irene. Karena Juanita nggak ikutan pindah ke Tigard, akhirnya gue yang malah jadi diserahi tugas banyak untuk mengelola tim Ops Desk. Jadi bangga juga, itung2 jadi tangan kanan boss, hehehe.

Karena jadi "tangan kanan" boss, artinya gue juga harus mengatur jadwal kerja rekan2 kerja gue di Ops Desk. Ngatur jadwal kerja berarti termasuk audit liburan tahunan mereka, dan juga memastikan jadwal harian mereka juga terurus. Nah lho, tambah banyak deh kerjaannya. Tapi gak pah2x, gue dengan senang hati dan rela kok mengerjakannya. Itung2x tambah pengalaman. Terus juga ikutan rapat mingguan bersama manajer2x Fraud Detection seminggu sekali. Juga kadang2 ketemu sama manajer2x Fraud Prevention dan Fraud Recovery, untuk membahas ide2 baru untuk penerapan jadwal kerja dan audit liburan tahunan pegawai2x di departemen2x yang bersangkutan. Pokoknya keren abis deh! Seumur2x gue blum pernah punya pengalaman berharga kayak gini!!!

Karena prestasi gue yang cukup menyakinkan di Ops Desk, suatu hari Dan menawarkan gue posisi baru di departemen IMC (Integrated Mission Control), semacam Ops Desk juga tapi lebih dalam dan luas lagi jangkauannya. Kalo Ops Desk yang aku tangani sekarang hanya untuk departemen Fraud Tigard saja, IMC ini mencakup sekitar 8-10 departemen lain (seperti Care, Collections, Fraud, Disputes, dan yang lain2x), dan tidak hanya satu daerah saja, tapi berbagai macam kota seperti Las Vegas, Sioux Falls, bahkan sampai cabang2 di Alabang, Filipina, segala!! Hebat dech!

Setelah gua bicara dengan suami dan dipertimbangkan masak2x, akhirnya gue memutuskan untuk menerima tawaran Dan. Tapi gak semudah itu masuk IMC. Pertama2x gue harus diwawancara lagi. Harus dites lagi.  Untungnya gue lulus wawancara dan diterima!! Gue dan Betty resmi masuk IMC tanggal 17 Maret 2014. Nah, ceritanya yang ini bersambung di blog post berikutnya dech.  

Sebelum gue berpisah dengan Ops Desk, gue sempet kumpul2 lagi sama temen2 Ops Desk dan perpisahan main boling di Big Al's Bowling di kota Beaverton, Oregon.  Jadi sedih, tapi ya mau gimana lagi. Gue kan juga harus berkembang dengan pengalaman2x baru lagi.

Lucunya, nanti, beberapa bulan kemudian (setelah gue dan Betty settle di IMC), eeeh, boss Ops Desk gue Dan, nanti juga ikutan gabung jadi boss baru gue di IMC!!! Lucu ya! Dunia itu sempit! Hehehe.

Nah, begitulah cerita pengalaman gue sebagai Ops Desk di Capital One. Sangat berkesan dan gak mungkin dilupain begitu saja deh. Gue mau ngucapin terima kasih banyak untuk semua rekan2 kerja Ops Desk, dan juga rekan2 kerja di Fraud Detection, Prevention, Recovery, dan semuanya yang turut membantu gue dalam masa2x kerja paling menyenangkan di hidup gue!! :)

Wednesday, September 07, 2016

The Most Precious Commodity In The World



What is the most precious commodity in the world?

Is it money? Diamond? Oil? Elegant dinner in a Michelin award-winning restaurant?

According to Stirling Silliphant (from the book Zen in the Martial Arts, by Joe Hyams), TIME is the most precious commodities we have. Once passed, it's gone forever. Stirling, Joe, and Bruce Lee once had a conversation about time, and I found it interesting to see how they view time.

To spend time is to pass it in a specified manner.
To waste time is to expend it thoughtlessly or carelessly.

We all have time to spend or waste and it is our decision what to do with it.

Anyone who steals my time is stealing my life because they are taking my existence from me.

As I get older, I realize, time is the only thing I have left.

The choice  of how I spend my time is mine, and it is not dictated by social convention.

And the more I'm thinking about it, the more I find deeper meaning behind all this.

Don't waste time thinking people who don't care about you.
Spend time with people you love and love you back.

Don't waste time on petty projects that carries insignificant value in the future.
Spend time doing more important things.

Don't waste your time.
Spend your time doing things you enjoy.

Life unfolds on a great sheet called Time, and once finished it is gone forever. - Chinese adage.


Monday, September 05, 2016

Culinary Arts




This post is dedicated to all my friends and families who had helped me become a better cook. Thanks to you, now my family and I can eat better tasty meals! It's healthy for our bodies and wallet. I felt a need to write this post, because without them, I won't be able to cook like I am today. This post is also dedicated to my Mama Nancy, Oma Tjie, and Grandma Marilyn. You are my culinary teachers and I can't thank you enough!

1. Jacqueline Tan.
When I got married in 2005, I had no clue what I need to do in the kitchen. I was born and raised in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. Jakarta is a big city with lots of restaurants, from simple food trucks and cafes to elegant dining style restaurants. My parents and I never have to worry to cook, because food was cheap and there are so many restaurants to try each day. So, when I moved to USA and become a new bride, I panicked. I asked my bff Jacqueline to share with me her recipes because Jacqueline is a pro in culinary arts and once worked as a chef in a prestigious hotel in Jakarta. She shared 2 recipes to me: Beef Stew, and Sweet and Sour Chicken. Thanks to Jacqueline, I have a bit confidence stepping into the kitchen.

2. Grefin Harsa.
I asked Grefin to teach me some basic simple recipes, that easy to apply for a novice like me. She shared with me her homemade gorgonzola sauce which I can apply for any dish. Thanks to Grefin I was able to experiments her sauces and incorporated that to various dishes! I wrote her sauce in a piece of paper, which I still have until now.

3. Ignatia Suwarna.
I really have to thank Ignatia for introducing me to Food Network. She recommended I watch Rachael Ray because her dishes are simple, easy, and good for beginner. I remember sitting down in front of TV in my small apartment and write down everything Rachael said when she made her demo in 30 minutes meals. I printed her recipes and follow it step by step. I can't imagine what my world will be without Food Network, so thank you Ignas for sharing this with me when I firstly got here in US!

4. My husband that I love so much, Lloyd Sanders.
This man is a wonderful audience and my number one critique. He'll be honest. If my meal doesn't deserve an 8 (aka a bad meal), he'll say it. He won't hesitate to let me know the quality of the dishes, which make me want to improve the next time I make the same dish. Good thing he's patient. It takes me 11 years to be where I am today (in the terms of culinary arts), so I can't imagine how deep his patience is to me! When we firstly got married, our first fight was how to cook a spaghetti. It's pretty funny actually. I insisted that the raw ground beef can be put into the cooked sauce right away, and he insisted that the ground beef must be browned first. Finally we call Grandma Marilyn and she advised the correct way to do it (which is Lloyd's way). I cried and almost gave up cooking, because I don't know how, but Lloyd shown me how easy it was. He said,"Just read the recipe, and start from step number 1, then step number 2, then step number 3." I applied what he said, and it works! It boosts my confidence in trying to cook again. He complimented me whenever I made the dish right. I am so thankful for his supports. And now he never have to worry whenever I make a spaghetti meal!

I also would like to thank my favorite chefs from TV:
1. Food Network: Rachael Ray, Giada De Laurentiis, Ina Garten, Paula Deen, Bobby Flay, Sunny Anderson, Sandra Lee, Sara Moulton, Tyler Florence, Guy Fieri, Alton Brown, Ree Drummond, Trisha Yearwood, Alex Guarnaschelli, Nigella Lawson, Bobby Deen, Geoffrey Zakarian, Mario Batali, Emeril Lagasse, Michael Symon, Jeff Mauro, Katie Lee, Melissa D'Arabian, Dave Lieberman, Robert Irvine, Aarti Sequeira.

2. Cooking Channel: Tia Mowry, Tiffany Amber-Thiessen, Roger Mooking, Chuck Hughes, Mo Rocca, Kelsey Nixon.

I'm still learning. I'm still cooking daily. Thanks to everyone who had helped me, now I love cooking in the kitchen! :)

Failures to Success



This is a true story of my Uncle Hardjo Hutamadjaja. This story is posted here in my blog with his permission.  Truly a GREAT motivational story. Thank you for sharing your life story with us, Om Hardjo!


***

30 years ago this month, I failed to pass my high school final test, it was devastated, I was frustrated and depressed, and not knowing what to do with my life thereafter, I feel so humiliated, and ashamed to all my friends and families.
In a desperation of my future career and hope, I decided to pursue different high school in a different country where language and culture differences that I must learned from scratch.
Day by day, I learned the hard way and realizing that time is very valuable, and every single moment is precious and shouldn't be wasted to something irrelevant in my career life.
By 1989 in Toronto, Canada. I graduated as Computer System Analyst with Dean's List Honor. I felt proud of myself in my graduation day and should paid-off where I failed last time.
So, I was ready to take my next step in my career life with full enthusiasm and new energy, seems easy right?, old mantra saying 'After graduate then should get a good job/business'. Well, not that easy as you think it should be. Read on.
I went back to my hometown in Surabaya with pride to set-up new business and implementing my knowledge that I've learned. Unfortunately, by 1991 I failed my business with tremendous amount of loss. Again, I felt even greater devastation and ashamed to my families, realizing that the world is not fair in my view.
I took a different approach to rebuilt my career in 1992 by immigrating myself back to Canada, at that time the country was in a recession, it was very difficult to find a job, I took what-ever job I could find with very low starting salary of $10/hour.
My first landed job wasn't in my field of study that I truly want it to be. Thus, I struggled for 18 months to change my career path into computer programming related field.
Finally, I found the first job as computer programmer with starting salary $12/hour, although the salary wasn't paid much, but I felt like a winning lottery, and knowing that there will be brighter side of my career life ahead of me.
Unfortunately, the job wasn't last long due to lack of contracts from other companies, and last only for a year, and I was part of the company laid-off. Feeling devastated and failure once again that haunted my feeling.
Within 3 months, I found another computer programming career with a higher starting salary $14/hour, once again I felt like a winning lottery in that moment, day by day I rebuilt my career with confident.
By 1998, I realize that there were far greater career advancement opportunity with even ten-fold higher paid job in the e-commerce arena for DOT COM boom in Silicon Valley, California, USA
I bravely took the next step to pursue that ambition as e-commerce internet programmer, my career life have just begun from that point. Here is why, during 4 years period from 1998 through 2002, I was employed by 4 different companies, and also was laid-off in 4 different times.
Yes, you heard that right, I was laid off 4 times within 4 years from 4 different companies, that is almost an average of once a year laid-off. Although, I was receiving very high top salary as an internet web programmer, but the roller coaster emotional feelings was unprecedented devastation of no future hope.
In 2003, I started my own small e-commerce internet company, I was excited when I got my first sales order. By 2009 I was swamped and overwhelmed with orders where I also had 5 full time employees with an average salary of $15/hour.
Today, many of you think that I may be even more successful as compare to 2009 level, and you may think that I may already have dozens of full-time employees by now. WRONG!.
Today, my company is downsizing since 2010 due to much greater competition with extreme saturation in the internet from other competitors with much higher capitalization, and I'm no longer ashamed to tell you this.
However, I've done the best I could do with my pride to manage my own company today, and even after 13 years in the business, today I'm still learning my own business, and keep trying and will eventually experiencing unexpected future errors.
Everyone must have his or her own interesting success and failed stories to tell and share, and I love to hear yours as well, but here is what I learn so far, and I'll be more than happy to share it with you;
Life is about choice where we want it to be, and is about how many times we are willing to try and never afraid of failing consequences, and eventually after so many trials and errors, at least we will achieve something.
We should never regret for our past mistakes and/or past experience in which we had no control as long as we did our best, take those past obstacles as our life path and learn new experience for a better future.
Perhaps you may think 'talk is easier than execution', well, you may say that, but it doesn't matter what you do and who you are, weather you're born in rich or in poor family, what matter most is do what you good at it, and path will follow you along the way.
30 years ago seems long, but if you already experience it like I do, that seems like yesterday, 30 years from now is no different, time will fly fast, so cherish every single moment from what-ever time you have left even in failing.
There is a god, the god is also living inside you peacefully no matter what religious you choose, so don't blame yourself, he doesn't live in the world because the world out-there is cruel, remember he lives in heaven, which is also live forever in your heart even after life.
Don't blame the world and your environment where you live, socio-economics of your family, and others that may hindered you from moving forward, take your own action for goods and no-one will hindered you from your own action, and the god will always bless you in every step of the way even in failing.
You may have heard this many times before about basic principles theory of nature, "rich get richer and poor get poorer". Well, if you really believe it, then this will be your faith and destiny, and worst it may discourage you even further from moving forward, else It may not be true if you really working towards your goal with your passion and dedication.
Remember, the world out-there is cruel, so protect yourselves from any kind of negativity that may affect you negatively, and as long as you still live in this world, then you have no other choice to learn from this world in a positive way to survive because the world keep changing, and nothing will last forever in this world.
Dear all my FB friends, stay healthy, live long happily and prosper.

What advice would you give your 21- year-old self?



Recently I came across a Youtube video: "What advice would you give your 21- year-old self?" In the video, I learn great advice and insights from strong women from different backgrounds and cultures. The message is simple, yet inspiring.

So I'm challenging myself. I'm thinking, what advice will I give to my younger self? 

1. Don't give up.
In my past I sometimes gave up. Maybe I lose interest, maybe I was lazy, or thought that "it's not for me". I quit learning how to ride a bicycle after I fell the first time (when I was 5). I quit my piano lessons when I was 17 because I was interested too much in my drama club at high school. Which is fine, because I don't bike anyway and I'm not earning a living by playing piano. But, one of my biggest mistakes in life, is that I gave up pursuing my dreams working as a banker when I moved from Indonesia to USA 11 years ago. I settled to work in any job, and everyday I was miserable. I was not happy. I keep imagining the glory days I had when I was a banker in Jakarta, and keep comparing my life here and then. So, when I was given a chance to find new work, this time I didn't give up easily. I focused on getting a job that I want and finally I got the dream job. A banker. And I couldn't be more happier.

2. Set a goal.
When I was in college (first year), I charted a road map of which classes I need to take each semester, if I want to finish my study in 3.5 years. I was dedicated to ensure I get my bachelor degree on time. I determined to not waste my parents's money and time, because they have invested too much in me. I don't want to disappoint them. Because I have a goal in line, I successfully finished my degree in 4 years and graduated cum laude. The goal helped me to focus on what I need to do to reach my destination. Yes, it took half a year later then what I predicted, but it's okay. The most important thing is that I finished the run and get to where I want to be. It's been a long time since I finished my school, but I still applied this principle in daily basis. If you ask me now, I still have goals. Whether it's a career goal, health goal, family goal, or even vacation goal! Having a goal is very important, because this way you don't just drift away in life and getting nowhere.

3. Don't stress/worry too much.
By nature, maybe because I'm a woman, I stress easily. But most of the times, these things that I'm worrying about, it's not really worth it. So now, when I stumble across a problem, I ask myself,"Will I carry this to my grave?". If the answer is no, then no need to sweat it. Adding a stress is not doing an ounce thing to solve the problem. Don't worry, be happy!

4. Take a break. Have fun.
In my generation, we have a saying,"work hard, play harder". Somehow I forgot this great quote after all these years. I was a workaholic, I think about my job long after I'm gone from the office, and I never stop obsessing things that I can improve at my job. So my wise husband gave me a valuable input,"Take a break, have fun", and then dragged me to the family room to watch "Star Trek". He knows I can't resist good movies. And the funny thing is, after taking a break, I feel refreshed, energized, and feel ready to tackle the next thing. Now, when I'm home, I'm home. I don't think about my work anymore, because I know work will always be there when I return.  And at work, I do take breaks seriously. I read books. Play games. Even it's only for 10 minutes. Taking a break is very healthy for working people, because after break, we are recharged and will be able to work more productively.

5. Always learn.
Learn what you want to improve. Learn for things that you don't understand but need to understand (e.g. personal finance, investment, how to cook salmon properly, etc). It's exciting to learn new things! It stimulates our brain, motivates our spirit, and peaking up our curiosity. Revisit old books to refresh your point of view. Learn from great people who shares their skills from internet, there's tons information there. You can learn from anything: books, TV, movies, internet, etc. You can learn from anybody: grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, siblings, spouses, children, nephews, nieces, neighbors, bosses, coworkers, customers, audiences, and so on. Never stop learning. Brush up your skills. Sharpen your axe.

6. Sleep 8 hours every night.
When I was 18, 34, and 35, I didn't sleep for 2-3 days straight in a row, and it caused serious mental damage to myself. I'm not going into details what happened (because I don't remember it anyway), but I learn the hard way that my body needs sleep 8 hours every single night. I underestimated the power of sleep, and boy, how I was wrong! Sleep is more important than anything else, including money! Sleep is even more important than just taking a break. Sleep heals and repair our heart and blood vessels. By loosing sleep, I increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. Now, if I want to live until 100, I need to start taking care of myself (eat healthy, exercise, eliminate stress, etc) and that's including sleep. Beside, sleep is considered to be sufficient to keep one looking young and beautiful!

Thursday, September 01, 2016

Imagine



*This post is dedicated to my husband Lloyd and my mama Nancy*

Imagine. Imagine your life 5 years from now. It's the year of 2021. How old will you be? How old will your family members be? What kind of family life that you'll have? What job will have hold? What will you continue to do and stop doing? Will things that matter now still matter later? Will you pursue things that will last forever, like love and family; or will you keep focusing on temporary things that will be gone eventually anyway?

Life is funny. When I was 22, I dreaded to be 30. I kept saying to myself,"OMG, I only have 8 years in my twenties before I turn to the third decade of my life!". But now I'm 37, and I can't wait to be 40. Life experiences taught me that it's always get better with time. I learn more and grow more with time. I guess the reason why I was afraid of getting older is because I only imagine bad things happen to older people (which is completely wrong. Older people normally become better than their younger version because they learn from their mistakes, stop bad habits,  and continue good habits).

I'm a firm believer that the future will always be better and brighter. And it's true. Look at our lives now compared to the '80s, '90s, and those historical period of time. Now we are living at the best time of humanity.

But, what's the use of the better future if we keep living in the past? We need to live in the present and keep an eye towards the future. If we want to get to our destination, we need to move now.

So in the year 2021, I want all my family members to be healthier and happier. We need to continue eating better and healthier foods, and doing things that make us happy. Like reduce (and eliminate) our stress of life. Like watching comedy and great movies to entertain us, make us happy. Like let go of the grudge (this is so hard for me! but I'm trying!) and forgive. Forgive and forget.

My husband an mother are the prime example of forgive and forget. I admire their phlegmatic approach of life, with their patience, and good virtue. I learn to increase my patience skills tremendously from these 2 great people that God had trusted for me to take care of, and I feel very fortunate that I can be a part of their lives.

My mom, Nancy,  is fantastic when it comes to healthy living. She juices the fresh fruits every day. She ensure we eat healthy (aka no soda in the table!). She exercises and encourage us to exercise in daily basis. She is peaceful. She forgive fast and never hold resentment. She takes care of her skin. I guess that's why she always looks younger than her age!

My husband, Lloyd,  I called him prince of peace, because every time he heard a slight disagreement in the house, he's always say, "Peace, please." He believes that no matter what differences we had, we can always resolve it in calm manner and cold head. Peace and sleeping 8 hours at night. That's one of the many qualities that I admire from him. He always calm, peaceful, and rarely stress. Very rare.

Now, what do you want to achieve in 2021? Whatever your decision, decide to put a goal for the next 5 years. So this way you can start moving towards that direction. You'll be so happy when you get there. You won't regret that you start the journey to achieve your goal today. In 2021, you'll look back and be thankful to your younger self, when you make that commitment and dedication to start working towards your goal.

Have a great day!

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

7 Ways to Simplify Your Life




1. Hire help
Don't be too frugal. If you need to hire someone to fix your things, rather than do it yourself, then do it. If you don't know how to fix it, attempt to fix it, and it got worse, then it'll be more expensive to replace it. If you don't have time nor the willingness to let's say... mow your lawn, then hire a gardener to do it. He/she probably will do a better job than you anyway in mowing your lawn & making your garden beautiful. That will free your time and energy on doing tasks that can be delegate to someone else.

2. Do one thing at a time
We all know that multitask is a very bad thing. Yes you can multi task, but normally the result will be better when you try to do one thing at a time. The focus and energy you put into finishing one task are better invested compared if you try to juggle four, five things at the same time.

3. Take a message
If you're that busy, don't answer the phone. Finish what you need to do first. If that phone call is that important, they'll leave a message. And you can answer it after you finish your task. Doing this will help you minimize interruption and let you concentrate on what you're doing right now.

4. Don't obsess over cleanliness
Clean your house, car, desk, room, but you don't need to over clean it. If it's already clean, then good! Leave it be. You only have 24 hours in a day, time is limited. There are more important things to do rather than obsessing in cleaning. Plus, you'll need to clean it again in a week or so anyway.

5. Prioritize
Plan, plan, plan. Plan your day. Plan your night. Plan your meal. Plan your finances. Prioritize what's the most important to the least important. Set a goal. You'll get nowhere if you just go with the flow. Prioritizing put an emphasis on what must be done first, put tasks in order and strategy.

6. Simplify your social life
Because I work during the day, and want to spend time with my family during the night and weekend, I have to carve time for my social time, time with friends that are not part of my work and my core family. I choose Facebook and LinkedIn as my social life. Virtual friendship is the best social life for me, because I can access it anytime, anywhere I have time. I simplify my social life with limiting to just one or two social media, because I literally don't have time to jump into the rest social media like Twitter, What's App, Instagram, etc. Not because they are not good. No! That's just because I'm more familiar with FB and LinkedIn. And having these two are more than enough for me.

7. Take a break
My husband repetitively advising me to take a break. Have fun. Play a game. Enjoy a movie. Entertainment is important because it's de-stress us from the hectic things in life. He can't be more right. Take a break recharges your energy.

Hope these tips help. I have to thank one of my mentor who shared these 7 tips with me, back in Indonesia, in 2004. Thank you, Mrs. Angkasa!

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Maximize Opportunities




Recently, one of my boss gave me an advice. And I think it's one of the best advice that I've ever heard. It is to maximize opportunities whenever and wherever you are. Maximize opportunities (Max Opp for short).

This concept is applicable to any situation, not only for work. In life, in social relationship, in virtual connection, in daily living with our family, we should always maximize any opportunities given to us.

Why?

Because sometimes there is no second chance. Some opportunities don't come twice. Sometimes the only time to make the best impression and to show your best work, is only on that one given time. This is it. The moment of truth. You gotta give your best effort in everything that you do, because sometimes you only have 1 time to do it.

We all only have one life to live. This life right now. I don't know much about reincarnation or being reborn again after you die, that's either a myth, a theory, or something that I don't really know, nor care. But I know, this is the only lifetime I have. YOLO right? You only live once. So, make it worth. Maximize all opportunities presented to you. Seize the day. Will there be another life after this? Who knows. But if not, then you have to make this life right. You have to make this life better. You have to maximize your life!

Sometimes, opportunities knock loud, and sometimes it whispers. Sometimes it's strong, and sometimes it's subtle. If you don't see any opportunities open, then create one. The point is, keep pursuing your goals and dreams, keep working hard and smart, never let it go to chance, use what you have, and turn out your potentials to results. Maximize everything you got.

Let's Max Opp today!

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Math: Shopping Problem




Today I went to the mall. I was going to buy some body lotions and hand sanitizer at my favorite store, Bath and Body Works. Then, I was faced with a dilemma. I have two coupons but I cannot use them at the same time. I had to choose to use one of them.

Coupon A: 20% off your purchase.
Coupon B: $10 off when your purchase is $30 or higher.

Which one to choose?

This seems simple, but it's deeper than I thought. To be able to answer this, I simply revert younger self in school. Referring to the basic math. And the answer is.... depends on your purchase.

Purchase#1:
If the purchase is lower than $30, then definitely use Coupon A. You can't use Coupon B for anything less than $30 anyway.

Purchase#2:
If the purchase is equal or more than $30 and less than X amount, it will be more profitable to use Coupon B. Why? Because:
Coupon B: $10/$30 = 33% discount!
Coupon A: 20% x $30 = $6 discount.--> If you use Coupon A on a $30 purchase, you'll only get 20% discount.
Where I come from, 33% discount ($10) is better than 20% discount($6)! I think everywhere in the world, that principle is still valid.

So now here comes the serious question. What is the break even point? Until what point it'll be more profitable to use Coupon B? I mean... if your purchase is $100, it'll be better to use Coupon A, because:
Coupon A: 20% x $100 = $20 discount.
Coupon B: $10 discount of $100 purchase = 10%.
$20 discount (20% off) is better than $10 discount (10% off).

To be able to answer this, let's just calculate the X. The break even point will be the $10.
Coupon B: $10 = $30 x 33%
Coupon A: $10 = X x 20%. ---> X = $10/0.2. X = $50.

So, if your purchase is $50, then here's what happen:
Coupon A = 20% x $50 = $10.
Coupon B = $10 off $50 = $10/$50 = 20%.
No matter which coupon you use, it doesn't matter, it'll be the same discount, both dollar wise and percentage wise.

Purchase#3:
Using the basic principles above, for any purchase above $50, it'll be more profitable to use Coupon A. Why? Simple.
Coupon A = Let's say your purchase is $51. Then: 20% x $51 = $10.2 discount. 2 pennies still higher than 0 pennies.
Coupon B = $10/$51 = 19.6%. Which is 0.04% less than 20% that's offered from Coupon A.

Purchase#4 (my actual purchase):
My final shopping resulted in a $40 shopping. Which coupon you think I choose? By using simple logic and math, I did my calculation quickly before surrendered one of the coupon to the clerk:
Coupon A: 20% x $40 = $8 discount.
Coupon B: $10/$40 = 25% discount.
In this actual shopping experience, Coupon B wins because it was 25% discount (higher than 20%) and I literally saved $10 (instead of $8).

I really have to thank my math teachers.

Thank you to all math teachers everywhere you are!!!

Friday, August 26, 2016

Learn "Happy"




If you happy when you have nothing, you'll be happy when you have everything - Anonymous.


Many people think happiness is a goal. A destination. A status reached. I myself was guilty of this too. I thought,"Oh I'll be happy when I graduate" - when I was in school. When I was single, I thought I'll be happier when I get married. When I used to rent an apartment, I always thinking how happy I will be when I buy a house. Others might think,"I'll be happy when my children grow up to be over 18 and be independent on their own". Some think,"I'll be happy when I get promoted, get new raise, or get better job elsewhere."

And the funny thing is, when life moves us to those stage we want, yet we're not fully happy. Yet we still aim for something else. As if, there's always something missing to complete our happiness.

So now I learn, that if I'm happy with I have now (or lack of thereof), then I finally know the key to happiness. Happiness is not measured in wealth, status, or any other symbol that the common norm perceived. Happiness is when you happy, no matter what.

My husband taught me that happiness is an inside job. It's a state of mind. And yes, he is 100% correct on this matter. I see my husband grow from the last decade, he's always happy (and peaceful) no matter what. I admire his inner peace, which finally produce his inner happiness. Which he spread to his family (I'm definitely so lucky to be his wife!), his coworkers, and his society.

So if right now we're not that happy yet, learn. Learn to be happy. Be happy first. Then everything will follow. If you can be happy now, you'll be happy later. If you're not happy now, you can always change your mindset and your feeling. We are human, the most versatile being (compared to animals and plants). The best thing of being human is we have the ability to progress. That includes happiness.

Today I hope you happy. To find true happiness, we all need to learn to master happiness. I wish you always be happy! Today, tomorrow, and forever and ever! :)

*And they all live happily ever after* - The End.

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Homemade Peanut Sauce



Putting it here in my blog so I don't forget:

Add 1/2 cup peanut butter, 2 tbspn soy sauce, 1 tbpsn lime juice, 1 tspn brown sugar, 1/2 tspn red pepper flakes, and 1/3 cup water and blend, adding more water by tablespoonfuls if needed to thin, until smooth. 

DO AHEAD: Peanut sauce can be made 3 days ahead. Transfer to a small bowl, cover, and chill. Bring to room temperature before using.

Best homemade peanut sauce ever!!! :)

To be the BEST




To be the BEST, you have to be BETTER at whatever you're doing now.

To be BETTER, you have to be GOOD at what you're doing.

So first, practice to be GOOD, and then to be BETTER, then eventually you'll be the BEST.

Practice makes perfect.

================================================================

Every day, I'm trying to be a better person. Better daughter, better wife, better employee, better friend, better human. I'm definitely far from perfect, but at least I try my hardest to get there. Trying to be better doesn't mean that I'm bad. It means that I'm already good at what I'm doing, but I know that there's some potential powers within me that can still be developed into the next level. I don't satisfy with status quo. I believe I still have plenty skills and talents that waiting to be released to produce better results.

As human, we normally use only 10% of our potential. This principle is wide-known. Here's some reference about it:
1. Wikipedia
2. Morgan Freeman's movie "Lucy"
3. Bradley Cooper's movie "Limitless"
4. Wired

Whether it's true or not, whether it's 10% or 5% or 23%, the point is I believe I can still do things better if I want to try to be better. The funny thing is, once I realize that I could be better, then I start doing things differently.

For example, I want to be a better communicator. I want to talk effective and efficient. So now, I stop ramble aimlessly, and start focusing on the key points when I talk with someone. Without sacrificing my sanguine flair, I can make a better conversation by getting to the point faster (efficient) and get my audience understand the point (effective).

I need to remind myself everyday that I have to be better, by working, doing, talking smarter. Smart doesn't mean short cut and cheats, it just meant doing things a little bit faster and better! But only do that when you already know how to do it right. Don't do things faster and compromise the quality of your work. Quality things still takes time, but after you do it right several times, you can always speed up the process.

Why I want to be better? Well... it's because eventually I want to be the BEST. :)

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Don't Stop




Can you imagine if Walt Disney stop after making Snow White in 1937? Then there would be no Cinderella (1950), Disneyland (1955), and Disneyworld (1971). There would be no future Disney cartoons (Beauty & The Beast, The Little Mermaid, Lion King, Mulan, etc). There would be no Disney Channels (Hannah Montana, Austin & Ally, The Suite Life on Deck, etc). There would be no Disney Alani and Disney Cruises. And to be honest with you, a world without Disney is a world I don't want to live in! Everyday I'm so thankful that Walt Disney didn't stop at his first success. He continue on the next project. And onto the next success. And the next. He kept going.

Don't stop. Once you completed your accomplishment, keep going to the next one. Don't let one big success stop you from leaping into the next bigger success! Keep pushing forward.

Can you imagine if Leonardo DiCaprio stop acting after starring in Romeo & Juliet (1996)? Jack Dawson would be very different in Titanic (1997) if it's not played by Leo. Catch Me If You Can (2002) will not be the same if it's not starred by Leo. We probably will see a different Gangs of New York (2002). There might be no The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) and The Revenant (2015). Everytime I see Leo's movies I kept being reminded to myself that Leo never stops. He continues making great movies and that's what make him one of the greatest movie star of our time.

My point is, don't stop perfecting your craft. Keep honing your skills. Aim to achieve the highest level of mastery in your trade. Don't stop.

You will make the world a better place by continue producing great works. Have a good day!


Saturday, August 13, 2016

Living my dream (love & life)




On 6th October 2002, I had an impossible dream. I wish one day I'll meet Lloyd (husband now, boyfriend then), and play chess face to face together. I said impossible because at that time I did not think that I would meet him face to face. I lived in Indonesia, he lived in United States. We had a long distance relationship. And we didn't know that eventually we'll marry. We didn't know that eventually I come to United States. We didn't know that we'll play chess again.

But today, August 13th, 2016, I am living my dream again! I finally able to play chess face to face with Lloyd, and had two games in a row. (Well, in 2003, we played face to face; and today we play a couple more matches.) This dream seems simple, but if you asked me fourteen years ago, I'd say I would give up anything just to be with him physically! And to play chess face to face, instead of virtual, like what we used to do in the early stages of our friendship/relationship.

I must always remember to cherish my dreams. Dreams do come true when you work towards it and make it to your reality.

It's an indescribable feeling. To live the dream. To finally have your dream come true.

My point is, never give up on your dreams. Work towards it and your dream will become your reality. And it's so fun to live in the reality of your dreams!

Have a nice day! :)

Tuesday, August 09, 2016

World Peace




World peace doesn't just happen by itself.

We all want to live in a peaceful place. Imagine. When it's peaceful, we can travel all around the world without fear. We all can learn from each other's diversity and other's rich culture. Peace is when we can let our children play without worry. Peace is when we can eat without afraid someone poisoning our food. Peace is when you have the freedom to choose what you want without give in to someone peer pressure. Peace is when you can work and live to the fullest.

To make it happen, all of us must work together to achieve that.

That means every nations, doesn't matter big or small, must hand in hand, work together.

Set aside our differences, work out together to find options and resolutions.

Put down your weapons and let's meet in the negotiation table. Open diplomatic channels.

Often times, we are blinded by the looks, and not the content.

Find the common enemy. Let's not fight the people, but tackle the problems.

What's all nation's common enemy?
1. Poverty
2. Cancer
3. Illiteracy - lack of education

Actually I believe there should be more than just 3, and I will let the experts at the United Nations figure that out.

My point is, you cannot expect world peace by doing nothing. You must do your part too. Whatever small it is. Do your part. Put in your contribution. If you want world peace, then work for it too. If you want world peace, then stop fighting. Start living peacefully. Practice peace. If you don't know how to be at peace, then learn from those who had achieve peace.

I'm pretty sure we all know how to be peaceful. We are the best and smart generation. We live at the BEST moment of our live time. Let's not wait for peace.

Do your peace today! :)


Monday, August 08, 2016

Gratitude



Before you complain about your children,
Think of those who want to have kids but can't.

Before you complain about your spouse,
Think of those who longing for one but haven't find him/her yet.

Before you complain about your parents,
Think of those who miss their ma and pa because they already passed away.

Before you complain about your job,
Think of those who is still searching for one and unable to get it yet.

Before you complain about your coworkers,
Think of those who work in solitude and longing for human touch.

Before you complain about your customer,
Think of those business who has no customer coming it at all and still waiting.

Before you complain about your health,
Think of those who was born with permanent disability.

Before you complain about your country,
Think of those who lives in turmoil, unstable, constant war, fighting poverty, or deadly virus.

Before you complain about your world,
Think of other planets where the environment is unsuitable to live,
Making earth the perfect world to live.

Be grateful with what you have. Be thankful for everything you have.

Sunday, August 07, 2016

Living the dream (work)



Who knew. Something happened. It looks like a bad thing, but it turns out to be the start of the best thing in my life.

Mid July 2015. The company where I work for the last 9 years decided to close the site and lay everybody off. It's not because we were doing something bad, it's just business. I never thought that lay-off will become our reality. The company was generous though, they gave us 4 months to be prepared. They provided us moral support, providing us career counselors, helping us to get a new job to replace the one that we would soon loose. They held career classes, teaching us the tips and tricks to be successful in an interview, how to utilize professional networking, both on and offline, how to effectively use LinkedIn to propel you to the next step in the job hunt, and how to be confident in your job search. They plant confidence seed in ourselves and boost our low morale. I would forever be grateful for their encouragement in this difficult times.

My coworkers at the time were fantastic too. Especially my good friend, Betty. She advised me to not look for any job, but to selectively choose the ones that I really want. I told her that I would love to work in Vancouver, the city where I live, and no longer commuting 25 miles to Tigard everyday. I shared with Betty (and my other coworkers too, it's like the 10 of us! and our boss Kim, Dan, and Mary), so I shared with them that I would really love to go back to banking world (the branch life, not behind the scenes offices), and it will be great if I can get a work in Vancouver. They said, so do it. I replied,"Well, I've been trying to get a job in Vancouver and branch banking for the last 11 years! But I couldn't find it." Betty and the gang continued to advise me to hold on to my dreams and to not give up just yet.

So I follow their suggestions. I dare myself to apply to several banks, credit unions, investment firms, and other type of companies in Vancouver. There are times that I just want to give up and revert to a call center life, but my IMC team kept me on track. I remember Betty said,"You want to be picky now. This is your time to be choosy and keep applying to the job that you really want."

Job application after job application. Interview after interview. After 38 companies, 10 phones interviews, and 7 face-to-face interview, finally there's one company that answer to my call and decided to give me a chance. And guess what! That company is a bank (branch, not back office), and it's in Vancouver! YESSSSSSSSSS!!!

The interesting part is, the day of the lay-off, Dec 11, 2015; was that fateful day, when the bank called me and confirmed that I got the job in a Vancouver branch! Wow, just wow. One door closes, another one opens.

I forever will be grateful that I listened to the good advice from my colleagues. I forever will be grateful that I continue to hang on to my dreams, and keep pursuing it. And now, since day 1, I am living my dream. Everyday in the new office is a good day for me.

It's so... magical.

I want to thank you everyone (my previous company and my current company), plus all the great people I work with in the past and the present, who keep supporting me and push me forward. It was (and is) wonderful working with all of you.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.


Happiness Waiting Time



In the matter of happiness,  I don't wait.

I don't wait until a certain age to be happy.
I don't wait until I get into a certain job title to be happy.
I don't wait until I have a possession (or two) to be happy.
I don't wait until I reach a destination.
I don't wait until I accomplish something.
I don't wait until the world change to my standard.
I don't wait until tomorrow.
I don't wait until my family are in different stage of life.
I don't wait until my birthday or anniversary.
I don't wait until the next big event, whether it's sports, political, or entertainment.
I don't wait until my workday over to be happy.
I don't wait until retirement.
I don't wait until Tuesday.
I don't wait until November.
I don't wait until the next Star Trek movie is released.
I don't wait until the new president is elected.
I don't wait until the lights turns green -- to be happy.
I don't wait until the oven beep.
I don't wait until dessert.
I don't wait until I can travel to Maldives.
I don't wait until I level up in my video games.
I don't wait until I finish reading a book.
I don't wait until school is done.
I don't wait until someone say hello to me.
I don't wait until the meeting is over.
I don't wait until I get a present or gift.

To be happy, I don't wait.

I just want to do "happy" now, and practicing happiness in every single moment is a goal that I am pursuing, in every single breath that I take.

I never wait to be happy anyway.

I was happy. I am happy. And I know I'll still be happy later.


Monday, August 01, 2016

I don't care how you drink your tea



I don't care how you drink your tea
I don't care if you prefer it hot or cold
I don't care if you hold your pinky up or not
I don't care if you take one, two, or three sugar, or lack of thereof
I don't care if you drink it in a cup or in a glass or in a bottle or from a jar
I don't care if you drink it while sitting, walking, or running
I don't care if you choose white tea, or black tea, or oolong tea, or jasmine tea
I don't care if you drink at 4 am, 4 pm, or whenever you like it.
I don't care if you drink it in your kitchen, living room, or bedroom

All I care is that after you're done drinking your tea, wash the dishes.

Saturday, April 23, 2016

My Life Now



I'm happy.

I live in one of the best and safest country in the world. I live in a beautiful home with gorgeous view all surround me. Every morning I wake up and get dressed to get to work, I can see Mount St. Helens afar with it's snowy peak across from my mini window in my closet. I felt so peaceful whenever I do that. In the afternoon, after my work, I sit down in one of the room that has been converted into an office, and I can see the tall green trees outside, and I feel in serenity.

I work in one of the biggest bank in America. I get to work in a reasonable hours, from 8 or 9 am to 5 or 6 pm, depends on the day. My profession is a personal banker, my favorite job. I get to meet people from various walks of life and it feels so good to help their financial lives to be in a better state.  I work so close from my home, only 10 minutes away, with no traffic in between. How lucky is that?

I'm married to a husband that is so loving and faithful to me. He is full of sense of humor and have a gentle spirit. He's kind, funny, and very understanding. I've been living this wonderful dream for the last eleven years, and only wish that this relationship will never end.

My mom still alive and live with us. She's very cute and protective, just like a mama bear. We all live together happily ever after. All of us: me, my husband, and my mom, are very healthy and not sick at all.  My house is clean and free from clutter. I am very thankful that we living this great life!

I'm happy because I have a choice to cook for dinner or buy food home from a restaurant near by. I'm happy because our house is full of our favorite snacks. I'm happy because even though we can eat what we want but we keep watching our weights and ensure we're not pass our max limits. 

My life now is a bit different from what I've envisioned twenty years ago, but that's okay. It's actually turns out to be better that what I originally planned. 

I'm happy. Life is great!

Friday, July 17, 2015

Wisdom of the day



The older I get, the happier I am.  Weird.  When I was younger, I somewhat afraid to be older. As if being older is something I want to avoid of. But somehow, age gets the better of me. I somehow (and hopefully) become wiser and humbler. I admit that I don't know everything, and still willing to learn things that excite me, or peek my curiosity.

To sum it up, I only have 3 simple wish I have in life:
1. I want to be happy.
2. I want to always be healthy.
3. I want to be wiser.

Success and wealth are important too, but being in a state of mind of happy and contentment are something that I can always have in any age level. No matter how old (or young) I am. Bob Marley once sang,"Don't Worry Be Happy!"

Health is another point of view. No matter how much money I have in the world, nothing can buy life. Yes you can prolong your life by keeping healthy habit, take vitamins, and exercise. But eventually, we all going to die at some point. So having a healthy life till the end is a priority to me. At least if I die, I want it not because I have certain disease or something.

Lastly, wisdom. This, I found, I can only get by age. Doesn't mean I have to be older. Learning from those who had walk before me. Like learning from my parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts, and all those who have more seniority than me. One thing for sure, wisdom is something that I will always pursue.

I guess it's true what a wise man once said. "The more I learn, the more I know that I know nothing."

That's ok. As long as I'm happy, healthy, and getting wiser each day. :)

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Tidur dengan pria lain?



Suatu hari seorang pria bertanya kepada tiga orang wanita yang sudah menikah.

Pria: Maukah anda tidur dengan pria lain kalau anda dibayar satu juta dollar?

Nyonya A: Tentu saja.  Bahkan saya akan berikan bonus satu malam lagi.

Nyonya B: Sudah pasti, siapa yang tidak mau satu juta dollar.  Bahkan keesokan paginya saya akan bilang pada pria itu kalau saya sebetulnya bersedia tidur gratis dengan dia!

Nyonya C: Iya saya mau, kalau nama pria itu adalah Tuan C, suami saya.

Pria: Kamu tidak mengerti pertanyaan ini.  Pertanyaannya adalah apakah kamu mau tidur dengan pria lain, yang artinya bukan suami kamu sendiri.

Nyonya C: Saya mengerti pertanyaan anda.  Anda tidak mengerti jawaban saya.  Saya hanya mau tidur dengan suami saya sendiri.

Pria: Kenapa begitu?

Nyonya C: Mudah saja.  Saya bisa tidur tanpa satu juta dollar.  Saya nggak bisa tidur tanpa suami saya.

Pria dan dua nyonya yang lain: ...

Kesetiaan seorang istri tidak ada harganya.  Berbahagialah Tuan C punya istri yang tidak bisa dibeli dengan satu juta dollar!

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Busy


"I'm a very busy person."

"Busy doing what?"

"Busy relaxing."


...



Have a good day/night everyone! :D

Sunday, July 05, 2015

Which Type of Glass?



In my previous blog,"Why Half-Glass Perspective Is Important", I outlined the pros and cons of having both point of view.

Now here's a question for you.  Which type of glass would you like to have?
a) Full glass
b) Half glass
c) Empty glass

I think the answer for this answer will depend on the context.  What's the context?  There are situation that required either full, half, or empty glass.  If you're thirsty, of course you choose full glass.  But if you're fulfilled, then there's no point of having a full glass.  Unless if you predict you can't get refill! :)

Either way, understanding the context of situation you're in will help you determine which type of glass you need.  Have a good day!