RESOLUTION 2009

Finally, we are at the end on year. Year 2008 is going to over soon in a few hours from now. And Year 2009 is ready to welcome us. Then this is the right time to evaluate resolution 2008. Have you reached all of your targets? If yes, congratulation. If haven't, how could it happened? Have you given the best efforts for that? If you have done the best efforts but you haven't gotten what you expected. May be you need more time to get that. Its time to evaluate your efforts and targets then improve the efforts. Keep dreaming, praying, and trying to reach that and let the miracle comes over.

Almost 80 % of my resolution in 2008 has been reached. But I think I need to add the failed resolution to next targets in 2009. So here is my resolution in 2009:

1. VOA (Voice Of America) will call me and I pass all the tests to join Broadcasting Fellowship Program. Then I'll moving soon to Washington. VOA here I come!
   
2. My next novel finally release before mid of 2009 and get positive responds than before.
   
3. Surat Cinta Saiful Malook in the movie will be released and rock Indonesia.
4. I want blue, cute, and sophisticated UMPC to facilitate my writing hobby. Please, i really want it!
5. I'll build a real family.

Mmmhhhhh, That my short term targets. And ofcourse I have some personal resolutions that I can't share here. I'll try my best to get that. But Insha Allah, I'm strong enough to accept whatever that Allah gives to me is the best for my life. So ganbatte!! Lets strive to go success.

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I'm An Eagle Mania

Hello, My name is Risma. I'm working on TV station which has eagle as a corporate symbol. I love this place. I have a nice job with great friends and bosses. I love to wear the blue uniform, because I'm a blue addict.

Few days ago, my friend Mas Murti reminded me about something stupid that I've never imagined before.
"Wow, are you a metro devotee? Till you have to choose eagle street from many streets in Jakarta for your house".

Yeah, girls and guys. Now I'm living in a nice place in South Jakarta. Its Jalan Elang or Eagle street.
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I'm going to Pesta Blogger 2008

Finally, Saturday 22 November 2008 I'll go to 'Pesta Blogger 2008'. Its an annual blogger community gathering. I got good sign from my husband that I can go there if only I have a female friend to go there. According to 'sunnah rasul', a woman is not allowed to go out without her 'muhrim' or husband. And finally I have a friend to go there. She is Lanny. She was my co-worker when I was a teacher. We have a pretty good relationship, but we haven't met since 8 months ago. She is also a blogger but she hasn't been registered yet. I have. So we agreed to come in earlier morning 8 a.m. Because we need to register first. Mas Miko and Mas Murti will also come there.

So guys and girls, I'll be there to see you all.

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Saturday in November Rain

Last Saturday 15 November 2008 was really my bad day. Terrible Saturday that successfully made my remain weekend was going bad. Actually more than a week before I had planed to go to my friend (Hanum) wedding with Selvi. So she could spend a night in my house before. And just took a direct way to go there from Bintaro to Ciracas. And the plans had been agreed by both of us. No changes until Thursday 13 November 2008.

Then my another friend proposed another interesting plan to go to the wedding. "Why don't we use company car so we can go together?"

I thought it was nice plans. Ok, because we would be there with other 7 people. It would be nice went there together not only with Selvi. Then I changed my first plan. When the day came. Only me, Selvi and another guy who were available to go. Because other girls couldn't leave their scheduled time. Damn! We had booked that car for 8 people. I thought we would had fun together. I almost canceled my plan to go to weeding, but because I had promised to bring the gift that we had prepared before. I continued my plan. We went with company driver. I was little bit disappointed.

I came there late, and most of food had finished. Just some of main course. I was in starving. Alhamdulillah, i could still eat something. I just met with some friends there. I was not really enjoying the party. Then I, selvi and another guy came home with the driver. I asked the driver to dropped us in JACC Senayan. I would buy some books in book fair.

Finally We came there. After a very traffic jam. It was late, almost 4.30pm. I got some books. Just 2 big books and a novel. I didn't have much cash. Just remain 7 US$. And I didn't find any ATM. When I decided to go home. It was heavy rain. Subhanallah. I was so tired, I wore stiletto. I sat with Selvi near the gate. Then after took pictures, we decided to continue book hunting. We both put off our shoes, and waked around with bare feet.

It was almost 7pm. And the rain falls hadn't stopped yet. We walked out and waited for a cab. No Cab. All cab hadn't be reserved. Subhanallah! And we didn't bring any umbrella, because we just brought a small party pouch. We insisted to go home. We hired an umbrella man to pass the rain. It was 2 kilometers. We put of the stiletto and walked in the rain. I couldn't imagine what people imagined when saw us, two girls in the dark rain night walked with bare feet.

Then I and Selvi separated. I still had to take some bus. When I saw 'ojek' ( motorcycle used for public transport). I asked him to drop me to Blok M with 1 US$ cost. I intended to get some cash in ATM near there then take bus. We dealt, but then before we arrived he asked me more.

"Where will you go?"

"Ummhhh, Actually I would go to Bintaro". I said.

"I know that place, ok I will drop you there. My home is not so far from there, and I want to go home. Just pay me 35,000 IDR (3.5 US$)!"

"Ok...I agree", I think it was a great price. Could you imagine? It was a heavy rain and some place were flooding.

"Would you please to drop me to ATM, I need to get some cash", I begged. He said ok. And He dropped me safely to home.

It was really bad day. On Sunday, I really took a rest. I didn't go outside. Even I didn't open my door and window. I could imagine what neighbor said about me. A mysterious girl. As I usually left the house in the early morning, and arrived after 7pm every work days. Even on weekend, I didn't go.

The lesson that i got:

1. Never ever changed your plans!
2. Prepare your convenience shoes (flat or wedges shoes) if you want to hunt book in book fair.
3. Don't forget to prepare umbrella.
4. Prepare your cash.
5. Avoid to go outside in the rain season.
   

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BIG HOPES FOR OBAMA

The whole world is watching the electoral theater in USA now. The US election really gets worldwide attention. Because USA as a super power country with its veto right has important role to decide the world. Some of USA policies although it was not supported by UN, have colored the human life in the world. Popular economic writers frequently trot out the dictum "when the U.S. sneezes, the rest of the world catches a cold." Well maybe -- in some respects the health of the U.S. economy is so important to the world economy that this saying captures a truth.

The president’s policy is very important to change the country. Moreover the country is a super power country such as USA. A president policy is not only important for its country but also can change the world. Recent US election gets more attention from the world due to there are so many problems that should be solved as soon as possible; politic conflict in some countries which needs USA as a mediator, economic recession which was started by sub prime mortgage crisis, etc. A whole world is waiting for the next USA president who can solve all issues. Moreover one of president candidates is an Afro-American who represents minority in USA. USA and the world is really expecting someone who can bring chance for USA and the world.

This US election becomes popular and grabs world attention even in Indonesia, not only because Obama is an Afro-American. Why? Because, apparently, Barack Obama spent his childhood in Jakarta in late 1960’s after his mother, Ann Durham, married to an Indonesian student named Lolo Soetoro, who was pursuing an MA degree in East-West Center, University of Hawaii. Then Obama was brought to his new family in Indonesia. He spent his elementary school-age in SD Besuki and SD Asisi for 2 years.

Today, we know together that American people have chosen Obama for their next president. Congratulation obama! Victory for Barack Obama would mark US democracy's triumph over half the problem of race in America. It would underscore the vitality of America's most distinctive and powerful master trend—assimilation between black and white. An Obama victory would mark, the completeion of the process of mass democratic inclusion. The outcome of 4th Novemeber 2008: It's now clear that there is no more distinctive between black and white. Black are ready, able and poised to lead the nation.

American has successfully changed the world's mind about democracy. Everybody has same opportunity in America, even they are immigrants, black, white, young, old, women, men etc to build America to be better. Also change to the better world. But it means heavy duties has been waiting for Obama. All eyes over the world put big hopes for Obama. And of course they are looking at Obama steps now. If Obama fails, everybody may be will blame him also.

I will not tell much here. Ok, Mr. Obama! Congratulation! Me and world people are putting big hopes for you. Do the best! Create a peace and better world! Prove to us that you can do THE CHANGE WE NEED.

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Testing

TESTING

"Allah does not impose upon any soul a duty but to the extent of its ability" (Al Baqarah:286)

Last night I chatted with one of my best friend. She graduated from IPB also. We spent 2 years together in previous office. But since I moved to recent company. As long as I knew- she was a nice-looking, pretty, smart, exciting, interesting, etc. She hasn't married yet. But she always thought that was her mistakes. He has given up to pray.

"Well, right now I don't want to push Allah to grant what I want. Because I will not ask anything anymore. I'm thankful for this life. But I will not ask anymore. Praying, wishing, and hoping made me frustrated if it wasn't happened. Enough........I will not ask for a soul-mate again!"

I shocked, "Subhanallah! Why did you tell like that. Keep your mouth! As i told you for many times, Allah will always answer HIS slaver prayer. HE says YES, and you'll get what you want as soon as possible. HE says NO, and you'll get different but better that you need. Allah says WAIT, until the perfect time. Trust me! Allah knows better than us".

"Please don't try to force me to pray and ask something that I'm not sure it will be granted".She said like that.

Aishah radhiallahu `anha is reported to have said, “No believer makes du`a and it is wasted. Either it is granted here in this world or deposited for him in the Hereafter as long as he does not get frustrated".

"So just take it easy. I'm pretty sure that you'll marry as soon as possible next year. And this recent job will bring you to lucky. This is the way that Allah prepared for your marriage. Working in nice place and then get married. Just wait! You've just gotten your happiness through new prospective job. Why don't you wait a little moment", I told her.

"Well, I'll not wait. I just want to enjoy my life. I just want to realize that I'm living in reality. I'm tired to dream or expect something. Its enough. I'm not stronger as you. So just let me enjoy my life. because life with great expectation will only disappointing me", She said in sad.

"You are what you think all day long. You've been thinking that you'll not get what you want-expect-and dream. So you just get that". I tried to ensure the miracle of dream and expectation.

"Gosh I don't need to dream anything. I just want to enjoy my life!"

"Ok, I'll not force you to do something that will bother you. One my advice, please never forget to do salaat!"

I couldn't talk longer. She was upset and gave up to dream. She wast just being tested by Allah. Because Allah loves her so much.

Al-Ibtilaa' means to be tried or tested. Allah tests us with wealth, plenty, ease and power just as He tests us with poverty, hardship and oppression. Al-Ibtilaa' is a sunnah of Allah Most High. Throughout history, Allah has tested the bearers of His messages and others among His slaves. The test of Allah can be very hard, but by means of it Allah raises the level of His prophets and erases the sins of the righteous believers. The complete defeat of the Muslims and the overrunning of their homes and property by the disbelievers is NOT one of Allah's tests which he puts on the believers. Rather, it is a sign of their having fallen out of Allah's favor through their crimes and sins.

The Prophet(sas) informed us that the presence of tests indicates the presence of iman and that a believer may continue to be tested until he has no sin remaining. Although Allah's tests can benefit us in the long run, a believer does not wish for the test of Allah - rather he always hopes for the forgiveness and mercy of Allah Most High. Allah said in the Qur'an:

{And we will surely test you with some fear, hunger and shortages of property, people and produce. But give good tidings to the steadfast. Those who, when a calamity befalls them say: "We belong to Allah and to Him we return." Upon these are prayers from their Lord and mercy and these are the rightly-guided ones.}
Al-Baqarah: 155-157

Allah's test which we may face include:

Fear - a state of insecurity and fear from harm which may be inflicted by enemies or oppressive rulers or common criminals. This is a test currently being faced by Muslims in many parts of the world.
Hunger - local famines from natural causes or as a result of war and oppression.
Shortage of Property - caused by imbalances in the Muslim Ummah and the failure for parts of it to help other parts. There will never global poverty or famine in this Ummah because Allah has promised never to destroy the Muslims with these things.
Shortage of People - from death through diseases or jihad or the abandmonent of Islam by many of its people.

When afflicted with these kind of tests, a believer remembers Allah and that Allah created us from nothing, is in full control of all events and is the one who we will face for judgement in the hereafter. This is the consciousness of the qadr (omnipotence) of Allah Most High. This is the consciousness which gives us patience and steadfastness before whatever tests we may face from Allah.

In another verse, Allah said:

"We will surely test you in your wealth and in yourselves and you will hear many hurtful things from those who were given the book before you and from those who associate others with Alalh. If you are steadfast and beware of Allah, that is the strongest position."
Aal 'Imraan: 186

Man proposes and God disposes. At least we have done the best, so just let Allah decides. Never ever under estimates Allah. Allah knows the best. Sometimes Allah doesn't give what we want, but surely HE gives us what we need. So keep trying, praying and dreaming!!! Then waiting for the best results:-)

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ONLINE SHOPPING ADDICT

ONLINE SHOPPING ADDICT

Its been long time I haven't updated my blog. I have another blog and I was so busy. I have new hobbies that spent my spare times. Online shopping addict. It was fun. I was just sitting on my chair while I had done my works and then browsed. I was just sightseeing to get something blue, unique, branded and cheap. Garage sale was more preferable for me. Sometime people junks was other people treasures. If you are lucky as me you will get a nice, branded, good quality things with tag price. Wow, its real treasure.

May be I was late because I have known online shopping since 3 years ago. I bought my cute blue LG hand phone from a website. And I felt like a celebrity due to my hand phone was unfamiliar. No body owned the same as mine. Actually I saw the same model of that here but only in silver, black. Mine was baby blue. But when my cute hand phone got damage, LG service center didn't have the original keypad for mine. I got keypad for silver and black type. Until now I still used it as my second hand phone, although the LCD screen has totally damaged. BLANK. But I still can use for calling. Hehehhehe.......

Internet shopping world has been a trend. Shopping online is becoming so consumer friendly. As long you have credit card or internet banking account. Just sitting in front of your PC and let Internet bring you to its world. We don't need to spend more money for gasoline, transport, parking ticket, buy ice creams or other things. People are discovering how much time and money the internet can save them. Its fascinating and exciting.

People are doing more shopping on the internet all the time. They are becoming savvy about research. Word of mouth is still important and apparently shoppers do not even need to know one another personally to appreciate their review. However, a recommendation by a friend is still a powerful influence. Personally, I did not know of eligible and trusty worthy online stores which I bought. If my friends asked me, "Do you believe them?" I just said "Yeah, why not?".

"Why?"

"I just used my feeling". I was just like another surfers. I was looking around, stopped at nice online stores, then looked at products that I needed or wanted. If it was good enough. Just buy it. Never ever buy something if you don't really need that. Thats my tips........So you will not shop until you drop. Remember global financial cricis that happens!!! Save your dollars now!

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My New Blog Template

Finally, I changed my blog template. I didn't really like my last blog template. I'd planned to change it. But i had no idea, what kind of theme with will be suitable for me. So yesterday, I asked my friends, "What do you know from me?"

My friends answered,

"Blue"

"Cat"

"pet lover"

"stylish'

but absolutely I'm not kind of girlie person. Actually I wanted to add flowers picture. But, I think it was not a good idea. Because I'm not such of girlie person. Hihihi.......

I saw a beautiful template on finalsense. Yeah, its really describing my self.

BLUE, because I'm such of blue lover. In my eyes, blue is always beautiful. I would prefer to buy perfume/shampo/soap with blue cover than another although another offers better fragrance. Hahaha..........Almost all of my dresses, veils, personal items are blue. I have a light blue wallet, there are blue handphone, blue little mirror, blue pen, a little blue perfume.

I love my Benetton navy blue wallet to keep my money. There are ATM and credit cards also in blue. I will only prefer blue cards. Some blue money. I prefer blue money (50,000 IDR) rather than another. I love my blue ELLE bag. I love my uniform. hihihi.........I love my blue behel.

CAT, i have some cats at home. And I love to tell everybody about my cat stories. My friends know my cats well, only from my stories. Actually, I like all kind of cats. Including of Tiger. I like to interact with animals. Shortly, I love this blog templates. Thanks for the owner of these pictures. I love them all.

What do you think?

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My dream and SCSM

Yesterday I got a short message from my a movie producer. I think he is just like my manager. He said :

"Risma, pray for us ya. Surat Cinta Saiful Malook is being learned by producer..."

The producer means of the money owner. Yiipee.......my novel is going to movie. Its my big dream. And I think, I dont need to wait any longer for that dream. For you my readers. Dont worry, my another book will coming very soon. I promise...Its going to be better than before. Insha Allah

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by : Agoes Djatmiko (Graphic designer Marketing Metro TV)






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MARHABAN YA RAMADHAN


Marhaban ya Ramadhan. Here I come to win all bonus that you've promised to us. Great sale of rewards from Allah???

Its been 26th times i passed Ramadhan since I was born in this world. Ramadhan is always special for me, and I think for all moslem in the world. I fasted for the first time when I was 4 years old. But of course it was not full day fasting. I just fasted until zuhur. May be that time I didn't really understand about reward concepts. But my parents tried to convey message of rewards by promised me, "I will give you special gifts if you can do full day fasting". When I was 5th, I was better in fasting. I could do full day fasting (from Fajr to Maghrib) for the 1st time. But It was only couple times in a month. The 1st time i did for a month, when I was 6th years old. It was my best achievement that time.

When I was a little girl. I was always excited with Ramadhan activities. I went to masjid happily. Even I've booked place for salatul Isha and Taraweeh since Maghrib. How? I placed my praying rug, Quran and praying cloth 'mukena' on a nice place; near the ceiling fan. Why? because masjid was always crowded in Ramadhan. It would be HOT. And that time, small Masjid near my house only had 3 ceiling fans.

I finished my ifthar as soon as possible, then went to masjid. I would not forget to ask some money to my mom as my rewards. Then I bought 'asinan' or 'mpek-mpek' and ice. That time Taraweeh was just like a picnic. As i couldn't prayed 20 + 3 raka'ah. So I prepared some food and drink, when I took a break from praying. After taraweeh I usually joined tadarus (reciting Quran together).

I didn't really like eating sahr. Because I always lost my taste to eat in the night. But I had to if I didn't want to get hungry in the day. Hahhaha.....I had to saved calories and enery for at least 12 hours until ifthar (breaking fasting).

Ifthar was my favorite time. Athan Magrib was the best sound that I'd ever heard that time. When we were really starving, athan maghrib w2as the perfect entertainment that time. Even before I finished my dua 'Allahumma Laka Shumtu......" I'd drank a hot tea or sweet cocktail ice, eaten dates or 'kolak'. Sometimes i was too hungry to pray maghrib first. So I continued it by eating main course. Hahahahha.......sometimes I was too full to pray Taraweeh. Another prizes from parents was 'new dresses' to celebrate Idul Fitri.

Hahahha......that time i didn't really understand the mean of Ramadhan. It was just an annual ritual. But this year, Insha Allah i will more understand the mean of Ramadhan. I'll use this time to prepare my self to be a better moslem when Ramadhan is over. Insha Allah........Do fast not only to get 'rewards' but for myself. I will not telling you, what will be my resolutions this Ramadhan. But I just want to mention, this Ramadhan is special, because I have an Imam who leads me to be better moslem.


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JAVANESE DANCE PRACTICAL COURSE

We invite female expatriates Community in Jakarta to join Javanese Dance Practical Course. You just pay USD 280.00 to participate. Participants shall receive:

• Dance practice every Monday to Thursday
• Snack
• AC Venue
• Gamelan music will accompany your dance
• Dance apparels
• Top dancer will be elected for stage performance on November 29, 2008

Please hurry register before October 25, 2008. Contact :

• Ms. Ambar 081310165282
• Ms Yanti 08161921647
• Ms. Tanjung 08121851986
• Ms. Fajar 081519571258
  

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MY NAME

RISMA BUDIYANI means of :

There are 13 letters in my name.
Those 13 letters total to 64
There are 6 vowels and 7 consonants in my name.

Lets see what http://www.paulsadowski.com/ said about the meaning of my name

Your number is: 1

The characteristics of #1 are: Initiating action, pioneering, leading, independent, attaining, individual.

The expression or destiny for #1:
A number 1 Expression denotes the skilled executive with keen administrative capabilities. You must develop the capacity to be a fine leader, sales executive, or promoter. You have the tools to become an original person with a creative approach to problem solving, and a penchant for initiating action. Someone may have to follow behind you to handle the details, but you know how to get things going and make things happen. You have a good mind and the ability to use it for your advancement. Because of these factors, you have much potential for achievement and financial rewards. Frequently, this expression belongs to one running a business or striving to achieve a level of accomplishment on ones talents and efforts. You have little need for much supervision, preferring to act on your own with little restraint. You are both ambitious and determined. Self-confident and self-reliant must be yours, as you develop a strong unyielding will and the courage of your convictions.

Although you fear loneliness, you want to be left alone. You fear routine and being in a rut. You often jump the gun because you are afraid of being left behind.

The negative attributes of the 1 Expression are egotism and a self-centered approach to life. This is an aggressive number and if it is over-emphasized it is very hard to live with. You do not have to be overly aggressive to fulfill your destiny. The 1 has a natural instinct to dominate and to be the boss; adhering to the concept of being number One. Again, you do not have to dominate and destroy in order to lead and manage.

Your Soul Urge number is: 5

A Soul Urge number of 5 means:
The 5 soul urge or motivation would like to follow a life of freedom, excitement, adventure and unexpected happening. The idea of travel and freedom to roam intrigues you. You are very much the adventurer at heart. Not particularly concerned about your future or about getting ahead, you can seem superficial and unmotivated.

In a positive sense, the energies of the number 5 make you very adaptable and versatile. You have a natural resourcefulness and enthusiasm that may mark you as a progressive with a good mind and active imagination. You seem to have a natural inclination to be a pace-setter. You are attracted to the unusual and the fast paced.

You may be overly restless and impatient at times. You may dislike the routine work that you are engaged in, and tend to jump from activity to activity, without ever finishing anything. You may have difficulty with responsibility. You don't want to be tied down to a relationship, and it may be hard to commit to one person.

Your Inner Dream number is: 5

An Inner Dream number of 5 means:
You dream of being totally free and unrestrained by responsibility. You see yourself conversing and mingling with the natives in many nations, living for adventure and life experiences. You imagine what you might accomplished.

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INDONESIA INDEPENDENCE DAY

This week will be special for me and for Indonesian. At 17 August 2008, Indonesia will celebrate its Independence Day. 63 years ago, Indonesian was officially proclaimed its independence at 10.00 a.m. on Friday, August 17 August 1945. Finally Indonesia reached their freedom after more than 3.5 centuries under colonial domination. They came to colonize Indonesia. They stole our natural resources, created battle field, killed many people, and made us lived in suffering in centuries. Here I don't need to tell who has created suffering. I hope all the countries who had colonized us still remember what had they done in the past. We had kicked off them, and please never ever come back. We'll really mad and fight to drive out YOU!

Preparations for the patriotic celebrations begin weeks before the 17th of August. We usually have started the preparation, even at the end of July. Skyscraper office buildings around town sprout large banners or lighted designs, fences around the presidential palace and many government offices are draped in red and white bunting, malls decorate in red and white, housing complexes, villages repaint their main gate decorated with independence themes. All people hoist their red-white flags in front of their house, building, etc. The big board with sentences, "Indonesia Merdeka, Dirgahayu Indonesia, 63 Tahun Indonesia Merdeka, Merdeka atau Mati, etc" can be seen in everywhere.

Political observers, social scientists, bloggers, celebrities and those with opinions write 'Insights' in the newspapers, magazines, blog and speak out on the country's progress since independence and challenges for the future as well as discussions on what the founding fathers would think of various conditions in society today. They compete to show up their nationalism.

Neighborhood associations (RT, RW, Kelurahan, Kecamatan) often coordinate special activities for the neighborhood and may request donations from homeowners to sponsor games and prizes. They also organize to clean up of the area. Sometimes they also held Art performance. Schools also coordinate special activities, as holding games and races amongst classes beside flag hoisting solemnize.

TV shows commemorating the struggle for independence are aired for weeks before and after independence day. As Metro TV which has prepared some good TV programmes, Live event, Music Concert, News, History of Independence day on Metro Files, and many more.

Live event of Metro TV and all TV channel will cover The President statements of the Nation Address to the members of the House of Representatives, diplomatic corps and honored guests on the day before Independence Day. Flag hoisting and flag striking at the National Palace, the most solemn ceremony which invites the cabinet, military brass, family members of the current and preceding president, diplomatic corps and honored guests.

After the most solemn ceremonies have taken place, neighborhoods gear up for fun and games for the people and kids. They usually conducted some popular games, as Panjat Pinang (climbing the oily betel trunk) , Balap karung (run race with gunny sack), Makan Kerupuk (Eating crackers), and Tangkap belut (catching the eels and run).

Do you know that all popular games have meaning? Herewith I'll give you my opinions about the meaning of games :

• Panjat pinang, a team consists of some people. They work together to reach all prizes at the top of oily betel trunk. They have to climb the oily betel trunk. It has meaning to get our dream (liberty) we had to work hard together, althought it was so difficult but finally we did it.

• Balap karung, all participants wear the gunny sack. Then they compete to reach the finish line. It has meaning, before we got our liberty. People were in poor, even they didn't have properly material to cover their body. They used gunny sack for cloths. But with all of shortage they strived to survive and reach ther freedom.

• Makan kerupuk, committee prepares crackers (chips) and ropes. They hang the crackers and participants will compete to eat crackers without using their hands. It has meaning, before we proclaimed our Independence on 17August 1945. We had difficult to eat. Colonial domination took our opportunity to get enough food. People were in starving. But they kept trying hard to reach their freedom.

• Tangkap belut, all participants compete to catch the eels then run fast and fill the empty box with eels. It means, although colonialist so slick to be caught but we were never given up to kick off them from Indonesia.

Well, interesting. So, lets celebrate Independence day! But don't forget we should fill this freedom with positive things. Celebration is nothing without real action. Who knows colonialist will come back with different ways. Lets hand in hand together to resist colonisation. Long live INDONESIA! Merdeka....Merdeka..Merdeka!

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BE PROFESSIONAL AT WORK

Today, I was getting know that one of my co-worker will resign at the end of this month. It was shocking me. I was getting sad. It always happened when I lost my dear friends, co-worker or someone special. I had difficult to manage my feeling. Loosing someone would make my world different. It would not be the same as before. No more laughter, no more stories, and many happy and sad moment with my lost friends.

I always cried when I decided to resign. Because I realized that I would leave my paradise and move to another world that I'd never known before. Would I enjoy there? Would I have nice friends there? Would I get the same cherish life there? and many questions danced in my mind. Either I cried, each my co-workers or boss left the office.

People said, I should try to be professional at work. Never ever use my heart there. Just do my job and leave all stupid things about feeling. Mmmhhhhh.......I don't know, I always found the joy of life. When I met with new people, new environment. In very close time, I started to fall in love with the situation. I always could get the positive sides even from a weird place. And when Allah took away my life, I felt sad. Sometimes down, if that people meant a lot to me.

As happens now. I really love with my work. I love the job, environment, friends, bosses, etc. Although I don't really get what I want for my career. I mean salary. But I feel the joy here. And I cant change with anything. I'll only leave this place when my time that Allah gives to me has finished. I don't know, I always think that whatever happens to me is the best thing that Allah gives to me. Its my destiny. So when I have to move to another destiny, no one can stop my way. I just want to use carefully my time as my thankful expression to Allah. Just be the best! And may be now, my time with my co-worker who will resign this month almost finish. So Its time out.

Company are faceless industries. They do not care about how you feel, your personality or whether or not you're happy. Company only care about your end results. They want you to produce and they don't care how you do it. Whether you work 18 hours overtime, whether you work every weekend, whether you work every lunch, does not matter to them. Company has paid you enough so they have right to claim your productivity as a loyal worker.

So you must learn to always be professional at work. Never lose your temper, never cry, never get impatient, never get upset, never show your weakness. If you are caving under pressure, run to the bathroom. Trust me, by being emotional, you are making yourself a liability. No one wants to keep people who are flaky or break under pressure. The corporate world wants people of steel.

Remember to be professional, polite and loyal. Always get your work done, always strive to do your best, and always make your boss look good. If you follow these steps you will go places. Remember the corporate world is not like working in a small business, you are just a name and payroll number to them. Don't case waves, make your boss look good and he/she will help you climb the corporate ladder.

Well, I need to learn how to be professional at work. Although I'm a sensitive girl. I don't need to use my feeling all the time. So? No more cry for my co-worker who will resign. Can I? hahahah............

Well, for you my friend. May GOD bless your steps. Its time to move on. May be your destiny being here has finished. And may be, Allah has prepared somebody else for me. But the joy of life that have you shared to me, never ever been replaced in my heart. Ups.........my mellow feeling is coming now.

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LUCKY NUMBER 888

Today is 8 August 2008 (8-8-8). Today is a special day. It only happens once a whole of life 8-8-8. Many couple in the world have booked today for their wedding. And today at 8:08:08 pm, Summer Olympic in Beijing will be opened. Even some pregnant woman proudly decide to give birth today. Many people passionately welcome this special moment.

What happens with 8?

For Asian people, 8 is a lucky number. The word for "eight" in Chinese (Pinyin: bā) sounds similar to the word which means "prosper" or "wealth" short for Pinyin: fā). In regional dialects the words for "eight" and "fortune" are also similar, eg Cantonese "baat" and "faat". There is also a resemblance between two digits, "88", and the shuang xi ('double joy'), a popular decorative design composed of two stylized characters (xi, 'joy', 'happiness').

Many Chinese believe that number eight (8) will make fortune effect to their believer. Believe it or not! House with number 8 will always be best selling than another number. 8th floor in shopping centre or apartment or office building will always be best selling. The big boss from Asian company which owns building, will place their big boss on 8th floor. In my previous company, the big boss was also on 8th floor.

What about 4? Number 4 also has mystery. The number 4 is considered unlucky by most Chinese. Because #4 (Sei) the worst number, why? Because in Cantonese when spoken sounds like the word death. 4 means of death. Chinese will avoid this number to choose house, phone number, floor, many things. The Chinese are very superstitious when it comes to figures, they choose telephone numbers, house number, business numbers, car number plates and anything that has numbers in very carefully.

Believe or not, many building in Asia. As I see in Indonesia, there is no 4th floor. Actually no floor with number 4 (4, 14, 24, 34, etc). Most of businessman, entrepreuner in Indonesia are Chinese. They avoid 4 because they believe that '4' means of death. So noone will buy house number 4, 4th floor, all with 4 character. The funny things when you see building in Asia. There is no 4th floor but 3A. After 13th floor will be 15th floor. There will be 25th after 23th floor.

The funniest when you see building which applies Asian and Western Superstitious. Check the elevator 'floor panel' ! If it has 25 floors. There will be B, G, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 25, 26. Could you find something strange???

Do i believe with that superstitious? Hem, but i thought I will marry on 8-8-8. And I really dont like with 4. Hahahha.........Well, for PKS (Partai Keadilan Sejahtera) 'Justice Party'. I'm pretty sure that you'll get lucky on National Election 2009. Because they got number 8. Well, let see!

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QUESTIONS IN LIFE

Sutrisno Bachir said on his campaign, "HIDUP ADALAH PERBUATAN" (= Life is actions). But for me Life is a journey from a question to another question. I think I have written this on previous posting. But I need to re-write this issues but with different style. I just want to focus on questions in Life.

Back to questions in life. Do you still remember what have people questioned a whole of your life? I do remember all typically questions. Herewith some questions that I remember:

1. When I was a baby 3-4 years, adult loved to ask me or my parents, "Hi little girl! When will you go to school?". My mom would answer, "Oh, she is still 4years, may be soon after she has enough school-age we'll enroll her to preschool".
2. When I was in preschool, people asked me, "Oh smart little girl. What grade are you now? Can you read? Can you write? Can you draw?". And I would happily answer, "I'm in 5th grade now. I can read alphabet and write letter". People would smile at me. And my mom would patiently explain to people that I was still in preschool.
   
3. Then another question was, "When will you go to elementary school?"
4. When I was in elementary school, the main question was, "When will you graduate from elementary school?"
5. When I was in High School, people asked me, "Hey, you've grown up now. When will you be a student of university? What will you take?"
6. When I was in university, "Oh...now you are a pretty girl. Where is your university? When will you graduate?".
7. When I had just graduated from university, People asked me, "When will you get job?"
8. After I got job for 1-2 years. Again people disturbed me with questions, "Then when will you marry? Who is your boyfriend?". As I followed what Islam said not to have boyfriend before married. I was just in silent and smiled.
9. Then after I married, People asked me, "Oh long time no see, how is your doing? Have you had baby? When?
   

And I guess after this phase of life people will still disturb me with other questions:

1. "When will you have 2nd kids?"
2. "When will you have 3rd, 4th....etc?"
3. Then "Is this your last child?"
4. Then when my baby grown up again the same question that people asked when I was child, teenage, grown up will be asked to me as my parents got. "When will your son/daughter marry?"
   
5. "When will you have grand child?"
6. bla.....bla...bla....

I guess the last question may be will be, "When will you die?"

P.S. picture was taken from http://startupblog.files.wordpress.com
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BROKEN CHAIR

Friday, 25 July '08 was my bad day. I fell down due to broken chair in my office. I sat on chair with broken back rest. That time was almost dismissal time around 5.30 pm. I was laughing with my friends. Then I reclinated. Suddenly, the back rest broke. Before I fell down, my head collided the wood table with glass cover. Masha Allah, everything was so dark. I realized when my head totally collided floor with carpet and my friends helped me after few seconds in silent due to SHOCK. It was too bad. I felt shock and headache. Everybody worried about me. They warned me if I felt queasy and threw away it indicated bad effects. And I had to go to doctor to check.

Yeah, I passed my night with headache. But Alhamdulillah, everything was ok in the morning. Well, should i prosecuted for my accident in office? Hahahah...........a lesson that I got from that accident was:

1. Quick check your chair before sit.
2. Reduce your overweight!
3. Contact General Affair (GA) to replace your broken chair.
4. Bring your own chair.
5. Just standing a whole day.
6. Or just sitting on the floor.

Hahahha..........

P.S. I'm not an overweight girl, my weight is only 41kg

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ROMANTIC CAT

Do you think animal also has romantic feeling to his/her lover. Well, after you read this story, you'll understand that animal also has feeling.

Basically, I love cat since I was a little girl. But my 1st cat was given from my best friend. When I was at 5th grade, my best friend left me due to she had to follow her family. Her family would relocate to another island. Her daddy was promoted to be manager in Oil Company. It was a very good step for her daddy career. So they decided to move. And my best friend should left me.

She had 2 cats. Both of them were male. They were 'Polly' with black and white beautiful hair and 'Puss' with yellow hair. She loved her cats very much. But unfortunately she couldn't bring that cat with her to new island. She was so sad. But then her family decided to give her cats to me and to another family in Jakarta.

In short, I got Polly. And he is great-grandparents of my cats now.There was beautiful story about Polly. Beside he prefer to eat cooked spinach than fried fish. He had beautiful love story also. Polly basically was a house-cat. He had never been outside the house. He spent his child time inside the house, played with family member and Puss in the big house, ate best cat food and never seen mice or rat. When he moved to my little house. He was amazing with the situation. All looked scary for him. He always ran when he heard strange voice, e.g. a man pushed a cart-wheel. And he saw mice for the first time.

But he still got best fish and cooked spinach also. And we gave him extra milk also. He had special plate to eat and special plastic cup to drink in kitchen. We just needed to make sound when plate and cup collided to call him. And he would run fas to come. It was EATING TIME.

Well, after couple months he was with us. May be, he was grown up in our house. He met a female cat for the first time in our house. He was adopted since baby and he forgot his mom already. They were so many wild cats surrounded my house. He fell in love with a cat girl. Name was MANIS. Manis means of 'cute'. Manis was a cute female cat and had color as Puss had. She had beautiful yellow hair. I knew that due to I always saw Polly followed Manis. And couple times Polly and Manis slept side in side in our terraces.

You know how a wild cat's life? MANIS was a wild cat. She usually got eat by stealing fish from people kitchen, or getting fish bone in dust bin. Polly was a typically house-cat. Polly was terribly in love with Manis. and He understood about Manis position. Manis was always in hunger. Polly couldnt see it happened to his beloved lady. He offered his food to his lady. But how? It means Manis should enter my house to eat Polly's food. Yeah, I dont know how Polly could bring Manis inside my kitchen. But oneday when I was peeping at him on his lunch time. I saw Manis was eating Polly's food. And Polly was sitting behind her, kept watching Manis finished her lunch. Wow......

But when I was out from my concealment behind the wall. Polly was acting to show us that he enjoyed his food and Manis hided from my sight. Oh..........so sweet. Polly was a romantic cat. He was adorable in our place. So many female cats loved him. I was almost thinking, he was a charming prince before a wicked lady cursed him. Because he was a different cat. He loved rice and cooked spinach, ice cream, fish, durian, etc that people loved to eat. And he would become a human again after he was kissed by special girl who loved him so much. Hahahhaah....... I did. I kissed him. But he was never been a charming prince as a frog prince did. He was still cat and did 'meooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggg..........!!!".

Ah, Polly passed away few years ago. I missed him so much. Hope you will rest in peace. But now I have another cat. Tiger, he is Polly's great grand children. Hahhaha.........but he is a real cat. He doesnt like spinach as Polly did.

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MARRIAGE

Today I talked to my friend. She told me about her problem to her husband. It was not kind of big deal problem. It was a simple problem but it became greater due to typically wife behavior. She thought it was a big problem and should be solved as soon as possible. But she insisted to claim that her opinion was right and blamed husband was the problem's creator. She claimed that her husband didn't want to concede.

I just listened it carefully. I imagined about what has happened to me. Masha Allah, I really wanted to laugh my fool. It has happened couple times. And I did the same as my friend did. Although i've never shared it.

After i took some times to think. Then I gave some solutions for my friend. I hope it useful. But then I started to think, 'WHich is more sensitive and emotional between man and woman?" If you are married, you would have known by now how soon women yield to emotions faster and are more sensitive than men even in the smallest matters.

Am I right?

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ANGER MANAGEMENT

Few days behind I was really emotionally. I was in anger. Why? I usually expressed my anger by crying or writing something that makes everybody know that I was really anger. Although I didnt use sarcasm words. But he/she must be know that I was in anger.

According to Wikipedia, Anger is an emotional state that may range from minor irritation to intense rage. The physical effects of anger include increased heart rate, blood pressure, and levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline.^[1] Some view Anger as part of the fight or flight brain response to the perceived threat of pain.^[2] Anger becomes the predominant feeling behaviorally, cognitively and physiologically when a person makes the conscious choice to take action to immediately stop the threatening behavior of another outside force.

Anger is a natural expression. When you are irritated by something or someone, you will get angry. Different people will have different ways to express their anger. Some people will behave aggressively and even you will never imagine it before. Because when you are get angry, it will be accompanied by physcological and biological changes. your heart rate and blood pressure go up, as do the levels of your energy hormones, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. Am i right?

Why some people easyly get angry than other people? There is evidence that some children are born irritable, touchy, and easily angered. Another may be sociocultural, because they are raised in family who always express their anger aggressively. People in some regions are easyly get angry than other regions. Anger is often regarded as negative; When we get angry we'll not behave logically but we use 100 % emotional. Even anger will cause bad destruction.

We are taught that it's all right to express anxiety, depression, or other emotions but not to express anger. As a result, we don't learn how to handle it or channel it constructively. Thats why we need 'Anger Management'.

Whats the mean of 'anger management'? Anger Management is a management to reduce both your emotional feelings and the physiological arousal that anger causes. You can't get rid of, or avoid, the things or the people that enrage you, nor can you change them, but you can learn to control your reactions. When we get angry we release so much negative energies. Then how to manage anger and convert negative energy to be positive energy. Anger will cause high blood pressure. High blood pressure will cause many disease. And that disease will cause you die before the time. Although we know that Allah has decided when will we return to Allah, even before we born.

Here is some steps of 'anger management'. Hope it will useful for you:

1. Recite, ASTAGHFIRULLAHAL ADZIM
2. Relaxing your mind; take a depth breath, close your eyes, imagine good things
3. Take a Wudhu (is the Islamic act of washing parts of the body using water. Muslims are required to perform wudu in preparation for ritual prayers and for handling and reading the Qur'an. Wudu is often translated as "partial ablution", as opposed to ghusl, or "full ablution")
4. Solve the problem it as soon as possible before it getting worse.
5. Better Communication, listen carefully to what the other person saying and dont say anything before you think it carefully. Sometimes one anger will cause another worse anger, just because you make it worse by saying SARCASM. Or better you just express your anger in writing.
6. If it doesnt work. Please call 911...Emergency...or anybody that can help you.

Insha Allah, everything is going to be okay. About my anger......I think I've forgotton already. Oh, i apologize if i have insulted you. I was really angry and sad yesterday. I know it hurted you, although i just used my writing. Aku Cinta Kamu. Sungguh, kau permataku

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REFFY & METRO TV

Few days ago, METRO TV has just launched new mascot and declared itself as The Election Channel or Referensi Pemilu Indonesia. Actually since 2004, Metro TV has been The Election Channel. But this year METRO TV needs to strengthen itself as The Onen and Only Election Channel in Indonesia. Why? Every people has known that METRO TV has successfully held TV programme that supported National Election in 2004. In 2004, Metro TV was the only news TV channel. But now? TVONE is a competitor. TVONE is another TV which has good news.

I dont know why, TVONE is almost similar to METRO TV. If METRO TV is being proud with its go-international style, TVONE is being proud as Indonesian TV. TVONE always try to chase METRO TV. Even TVONE try to be better than METRO TV. If METRO TV has Metro Pagi, Metro Siang, Metro Malam. TVONE has Kabar Pagi, Kabar Siang, Kabar Malam. If METRO TV has Market Review. TVONE has Kabar Pasar. If METRO TV has Snapshot, TVONE has Mata Kamera (TRANS TV has John Pantau). See Who is the trend setter???

Of course TVONE try to make a false start by declared itself as TV Pemilu. They want to be competitor or even better TV News which support National Election in 2009. So...of course METRO TV should be better than 2004. Well, METRO TV proudly present mascot for their Election Channel Programme. Yeah....Its a Reffy.

Why should METRO TV launch mascot?

According to Wikipedia. The term mascot – defined as a term for any person, animal, or object thought to bring luck – colloquially includes anything used to represent a group with a common public identity, such as a school, professional team team, society, or brand name. Mascots are also used as fictional spokespeople for consumer products, and regularly used as goodwill ambassadors in the community for their team, company, or organization.

REFFY has made METRO TV's tag-line as The Election Channel more eye-catching still in blue. Anyway....We really need TVONE and other TV as competitors. It will make us to keep and improve our news quality day by day. Lets be smart and be informed with the leading News TV Channel.Long live METRO TV!

P.S. its not an advertisement, I just want to share my feeling.

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BIG HOPES FOR JAKARTA

I was born in Jakarta. And I've been spending 26years my life in Jakarta. The big city that have been Indonesian Dream for long time. Every people from every regions in Jakarta comes to try their fortune in big city. They comes with many different background with big hopes and dream to be winner. They leave their convenience & comfortable place in village with big hopes. Although most of them regreeted and decided to get back to village.

22 June 2008, Jakarta has been 481 years. There must be so many stories behind. Even that happy, bad, sad, good stories. But it has enriched our Jakarta Heritage.

Jakarta is teh capital city of Indonesia. Its also the biggest & the most modern city in Indonesia. It was formerly known as Sunda Kelapa (397-1527), Jayakarta (1527-1619), Batavia (1619-1942), and Djakarta (1942-1972).

The History of Jakarta dates back to at least the 14th Century with the development of a small port of Hindu Pajajaran Kingdom at the mouth of Ciliwung River. Searching for the fabled “Spice Island”, the Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive and establish a fortress on the site in the early 16th Century.

The old port attacked by a neighboring sultanate under leadership of Prince Fatahillah. After the assault, the Portuguese navy fleet destroyed. Fatahillah changed the name of the Sunda Kelapa port to Jayakarta, meaning “Total Victory”, commemorating the defeat of the local Hindu Kingdom and their European allies. According to some historians, this event took place on June 22, 1527, a date that later was officially recognized as the birth of the city of Jakarta.

It was to this town that Dutch spice merchants came in the late 16th Century and began a trading association with Europe that s dictate the story df Jakarta, and Indonesia as a nation, for nearly 350 years. Under the aggressive leadership of Jan Pieterzoon Coen, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) proceeded forcibly to take session to the town of Jayakarta, renaming it Batavia in 1619; from here, they ruled Indonesia for more than three centuries. Following the Japanese invasion and rule of the country frôm 1942-1945, on August 17, 1945, Indonesia’s first President Soekarno proclaimed Indonesia independence and Jakarta Became the accepted nation’s capital.

Over the last several decades, Jakarta has proudly developed into one of Asia's most prominent metropolitan centers. With a current population of nearly nine million, Jakarta has undergone dramatic growth. Today, Jakarta's skyline is covered by modern highrises. The many state-of-the-art shopping centers, recreation complexes and toll-roads have become hallmarks of the city. The quality of life and the general welfare of its inhabitants have improved considerably with the city's fast pace of development. Jakarta's cultural richness and dynamic growth contribute significantly to its growing importance as one of the world's leading capital cities.

Jakarta is one of Indonesia's designated tourist areas. It is a gateway to other tourist destinations in Indonesia and is equipped with all the means of modern transportation by air, sea, rail, or by land. It has the largest and most modern airport in the country (Bandara Soekarno-Hatta), the most important harbour in Indonesia (Tanjung Priok) and is well-connected by rail of good roads to other destinations in Java, Sumatra, and Bali, Busway.

Jakarta, once considered as primarily a stop-over to more worthwhile destinations in the country, has become a major destinations in its own right. Visitors come for Jakarta'' complete facilities and attractions that are in many ways unique and not available elsewhere. In the field of tourism Jakarta offers four and five star hotels on par with similar establishments elsewhere in the world, convention facilities, amusement parks, shopping centers, historical buildings, museums, tours, and many other tourist attractions. Almost every 1km there must be shopping centre. Even many strategic areas in Jakarta is surrounded by more than 2 shopping centre. E.g. Senayan is surrounded by Plaza Senayan, Senayan City, STC, and what else? The worse is Blok M. In very close time Blok M will not only be surrounded by Plaza Blok M, Blok M Pasaraya, Blok M Mall, Melawai, but also Blok M Square. Wow.......It will be shopping paradise. But how about with the seller, merchants?

Foreign banking has remained centred in Jakarta, but investments have spread out over the provinces in the past decade. Though it is still the major stop for bussiness people looking for chances and possibilities in Indonesia.

The famous thing from Jakarta is the crowded traffi. Traffic Jam in everywhere. Will busway solve the transportation problem? I dont think now. May be next couple years. Could you imagine?Busway will reduce roadway 1/3 to 1/2 space of road will be allocated for busway. But private cars, bus, public transportation are still going on. Hem..........terribly traffic Jam. Ok........I hope Fauzi Bowo can fulfill our big hopes for Jakarta. Lets hand in hand to make Jakarta better.

Happy anniversary Jakarta 481th! Long live Jakarta!!!

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THE GIRLS OF RIYADH

Last week I read another marvelous novel. The novel which was based on true story. Well, I guessed. Because the novel mentioned it. GIRLS OF RIYADH is being referred to as "Saudi Arabian-style of S** and the City". A secret look into the lives of professional women as they search for love. But this love story is set in the conservatively Islamic Riyadh as opposed to the melting pot of Manhattan. Riyadh girls dance, eat McDonald's and shop, but only with each other. Their link to the male world is through cell phones and online chat rooms, and even then they are not allowed to choose with whom they can spend the rest of their lives.

Rajaa Alsanea's book follows the storylines of four fictional women, which is a style found in many contemporary novels. In all of these books, four women's lives interchange throughout the pages. Some are more conservative, some are more liberal, some are bold, some are shy, but all represent different faculties of the feminine experience. When each set of four is taken as a whole, the female reader is more apt to be able to identify with at least one of the characters.

In this particular novel, Gamrah is the most conservative, Sadeem is the hopeless romantic, Michelle brazenly questions her society's restrictions, and Lamees is the one who succeeds in getting exactly what she wants. At first it's hard to keep the characters, and their various love interests, straight. But as time goes on and the characteristics of the individual personalities are revealed, their intertwining story becomes clear and fascinating.

What makes this so much different from the chick-lit that has come before is the setting. Alsanea holds her own as a writer, but her background is what sets her apart. As Americans we are generally unfamiliar with the goings-on of the Saudi Arabian elite. Even some of the elite themselves aren't very familiar with what goes on behind closed doors, or at least they aren't open to talk about it freely. Thus, while S**AND THE CITY blazed a trail for American women to be open about s**, GIRLS OF RIYADH blazed a trail for not just openness about s** but about love, religion and the limitations presented by family and society.

The only thing that feels disjointed about GIRLS OF RIYADH is the unnamed narrator, who tells the story about her friends through emails sent out to a mailing list every Friday after prayers. The narrator doesn't seem to serve much purpose, minus responding to hate mail and praise that she receives after every post. It is as if Alsanea wants to show how controversial her book is to someone who might question that fact, but the story alone educates the reader as to the sensitive nature of the subject matter. Instead, the narrator's responses seem only to break the pattern of the story itself and provide an unwanted interruption to its flow.

And I amazed with the story. And I guessed, there is undercover Saudi Arabian girl. Yeah..........

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THE HISTORY OF TAJ MAHAL

A week a go I was addicted to novel about The Legend of Taj Mahal. I started from the book "Beneat of A Marble Sky". The author is John Shors. I'm not really sure, it was a true story or some fictional story surrounding the building of the Taj Mahal. While historians agree that the Taj Mahal was built by an emperor in the seventeenth century who was grieving the loss of his wife, the true details surrounding this story have been lost. John Shors imagines them in Beneath a Marble Sky, bringing to life a story of love, war, beauty and tragedy. Its a fabulous story that inspire me alot.

Beneath a Marble Sky starts when Princess Jahanara is old. She is living in secret, and telling her story to her granddaughters for the first time. The reader is told that Aurangzeb, her brother, is the emperor. When no one can overhear, she tells them a fantastic tale of her true identity and their heritage. The woman is Jahanara, daughter of Shah Jahan, a descendant of Emperor Jahangir, the Emperor of Hindustan in the early 1600s who built the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

The recent years have been the only peaceful ones Jahanara has know since the days of her youth, now forced to hide from her brother, the Emperor Alamgir, "Conqueror of the World," who would put his sister to death if he knew where to find her as he did with his brothers. As the oldest child, Jahanara is favored by both parents for her beauty and intelligence and willingly accepts an arranged marriage, although she is unhappy with her husband, who beats and humiliates her.

The Emperor Shah Jahan is obsessed with the Taj Mahal, directing his daughter to oversee the daily progress of the building; there she meets the love of her life, Isa. Through her father's machinations, Jahanara is able to enjoy private moments with her lover and bears him a daughter, convincing her husband the girl is his. With Isa and her daughter, life is bearable for Jaharana.

After the death of his wife, the bereft Shah Jahan, barely able to attend to the business of his kingdom, allows his warlike son Aurangzeb too much freedom, intending the more compassionate Dara to assume the throne after he dies. Unfortunately, Aurangzeb (later known as Alamgir) becomes more powerful, eventually seizing the throne and imprisoning his father, slaying any brothers who might claim the throne.

The following years are filled with turmoil for Jahanara, separated from her beloved and their daughter and eventually imprisoned with her father. Through a series of twists and turns, the princess endures years of hardship and betrayal, using her extraordinary guile to escape from her brother. In the most desperate hours of her confinement, the princess draws strength from the love of her mother and memories of the early years.

The struggles of the princess to protect her ailing father, endure the enforced distance from her lover and daughter and live with the constant acid of Alamgir's hate are depicted in vivid detail. Only with patience and cunning does Jahanara manage to survive, learning the true nature of humanity with the unexpected aid of those who also loved her mother.

Filled with the harsh beauty of the desert and the inimitable Taj Mahal, Shors guides the reader through the Scheherazade-like mysteries of the Middle East: the luxuries of the harem, the clashing swords of war and the ties of love that cannot be broken. With a passion that transcends the ages, the daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan learns the true meaning of her heritage and the obligations of royalty.

But its a dangerous book for people who doesnt really understand about Islam. I'm worried people will think Aurangzeb, Jahanara, Shah Jahan, Dara, Isa were trully muslim who has aplied Islam totally. In the book, Jahanara did zina with Isa, her lover. But we are as a reader will think that its true. Jahanara has a bad husband who always do zinah with woman slavers. He always hurts Jahanara. And Jahanara amrried her for the sake of political practice. Her daddy forced her to marry.

But then when Jahanara fell in love with Isa. But she was still in marriage although she was unhappy. She decided to run away with her lover Isa. She did zinah and gave birth Arjumand. Her the only daughter. And Shah Jahan permitted her to do that. Even Shah Jahan facilitated her. Its confusing.

Then Aurangzeb, the cruel emperor who always quoted verses in Quran to everybody is not a good muslem. He did zinah, killed many people even his own brother, as he also intended to kill Jahanara and Shah Jahan also. He is a tricky man. Wuahhhhh........there are not muslim.

First I thought because the author is a British and not a muslim. So he interpreted the history on his own imagination. Its a trully fictional story. Then I tried to read another book about Taj Mahal. A story of Mughal India by Timeri N. Murari. It has different point of view.

When his queen Arjumand Banu-Mumtaz-i-Mahal-the Chosen One of the Palace-died, Shah Jahan wanted to build a monument that was the image of his perfect love for her. For twenty-two years, twenty thousand men laboured day and night to fulfill the emperor's obsession. The result was the Taj Mahal, a marble mausoleum lined with gold, silver and precious jewels.

This powerful novel narrates the story of the Taj on two parallel levels. The first one tells the passionate love story of Shah Jahan and Arjumand. The second recounts the later years of Shah Jahan's reign, the building of the Taj Mahal and the bloody pursuit of the fabulous Peacock throne by his sons. Intertwined in the building is the story of Murthi, the Hindu master craftsman sent as a gift to the emperor to carve the famous marble jail around Arjumand's sarcophagus.

Murari has skilfully recreated the period against which the story is set, the sensual opulence of the palace, the grinding poverty of seventeenth century India, the vicissitudes of Shah Jahan's reign and the historical background of the conflict between men of different faiths.

Anyway, both of good novels. But please be objective when you read this books. Dont judge Muslim as you read on that books. Peace!!!

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Where is my Spirit?

This year i really lose my spirit to finish my writing. I feel little bit depressed. Everybody expecting my other writings. But I'm stuck. Where is my spirit? Life problem came and went to hit my spirit.

Yesterday was worst day. I was sinking in problem. Problem that I made by myself. It was nightmare. Ya Allah....!

My bestfriend Irma sent me nice sms:

In times of difficulties. Dont ever say! "Allah I have a big problem"

But "Hey problem, I have a big Allah and everything will be allright"

HAMASAH!

Subhanallah, seems Allah will never leave me alone. Even when I was down, ALLAH sent me guardian angel in shape of bestfriend. Alhamdulillah...........

May be i just need little time to recover my spirit. I know I'll be very success:-)

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SCSM IN MOVIE

Well, I've dreamed it since two years ago. I hope this year it will come true. As a producer in Jakarta who has produced some movies interested to make my novel 'Surat Cinta Saiful Malook' to movie. Masha Allah, its been 3rd times the issues of movie. It has rocked my heart many times. I hope its really come true.

Why I'm so much sure with this producer. They called me to talk on Friday. Friday is my blessings day. All happiness happened on Friday. I was born, got some awards, my publisher called me for 1st publishing, job interview, etc on Friday. Each job interview on Friday, I always passed it succesfully. Even when I got my 1st interview in recent company. I love Friday.....

So my fans........SCSM in Movie is not dream anymore. Its coming very soon. Insha Allah.

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PMS

Few days behind I was so mellow, emotional and became irritated. I've made some people became peevish. I also felt something strange with my body. Last nite, I woke up for tahajud and sahr as usual. I usually do fast sunnah every Monday-Thursday. But why today was not so comfort. I was weak and had been hungry before lunch. And yeah, its happened.

Yeah, i realized the strange things that happened to me was PMS. What is PMS? The term PMS stands for Premenstrual Syndrome, a familiar acronym used to describe a cyclical challenge with a confusing array of physical, emotional or behavioral responses experienced by an amazingly large number of women every month in the days and even weeks before their menstrual periods begin. In spite of widespread myth, misinformation and politically incorrect sexist jokes, the truth about PMS is that it is real-as real as any other legitimately recognized physical condition with a combination of physical and emotional responses that are all too often dismissed as trivial. In fact, PMS responses are known to challenge health, change normal routine and impact lifestyle.

Almost all woman will become more irritated & emotional when they are getting closer with their period. So beware! Never ever wake up a sleeping lion. Hehhehe...........They will become so much angry only for small reasons.

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THE HOLY WOMAN

Last night I read a nice novel. The tittle is THE HOLY WOMAN. It was a nice story about 'Shahzadi Ibadat'. Its about life journey of a Pakistani girl, Zarri Bano. Sarri Banois a most fortunate young woman. She has wealth, beauty and brains, and plenty of freedom. At the age 27, she remains unmarried, since none of the suitors she has met at University in Karachi or within her privileged family circle come close to her ideal man.Then she meets Sikander Din, a handsome young business tycoon, who sweeps her off her feet. The pair fall in love and wish to marry, but Zarri Bano’s father Habib Khan has other ideas. Imagining his daughter has been snubbed, he takes an instant dislike to Sikander (in Indonesian spelling Iskandar, or Alexander in west). A family tragedy follows. Jafar, the Khans’ only son is killed in a riding accident and Habib is left with a terrible dilemma: who will inherit and manage his lands?

Resurrecting an ancient and terrible tradition, Habib decides to make Zarri Bano his heiress. After a ceremony of marriage to Quran, she will lead a life of religious duty, and of celibacy. Wedding, children, the love of a man and a woman – all will be denied to her.

For Zarri Bano is about to become her clan’s Shahzadi Ibadat – The Holy Woman. Its a fabulous story of Qaisra Shahraz! I think Qaisra is a Pakistani and she knows better about that culture. Wow......inspiring story. I hope i'll follow soon.

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