Mar 30, 2010

Yellow Orchid


Actually it’s my very late entry for Today's Flowers; but I still want to join (hehehe, why not?). This time I share pictures of yellow orchids that I captured in my front yard. I don’t know what its accurate name. It’s a beautiful one, right?

Mar 27, 2010

Working from Home: Pros and Cons

Being a work at home woman is one of my dreams. I hope I can reach this dream one day. Although there are many good reasons to work from home, it is a decision that requires quite a consideration because there are also reasons why working at home may not be optimal.


That’s why it is important to evaluate all alternatives before committing yourself to work at home; especially if your whole family is depending on you (whether you’re a man or a woman).

Why choosing to work from home (the Pros):

IndependenceWorking from home gives the privilege of being your own boss. You can manage your tasks as you like and you report to yourself unless you work as a virtual administrative assistant. Having your own business will provide you the energy to work hard and make your dreams come true.

FlexibilityWorking from home allows you to fit your work around the family routine. You can be flexible with your working hours without neglecting to be a parent or a spouse. Especially, if you are the type of person that loves being around family, then working from home is your dream job. You can have more free time to spend with your family.

Save on commuting
Working from home allows you to save on commuting as you don’t have to spend times to go to work place every day. Your office is literally next door, in your living room and all you have to do is get your coffee and start working.

Quality of lifeAll the above advantages certainly lead to quality of life. You have time for yourself, your family and your friends; you have time to organize your work and meet the deadlines. You are flexible and independent to work as you like and as much you like without compromising the level of services you provide to your customers.

Why not choosing to work from home (the Cons):
Lack of focusWorking from home can have many distractions. Kids playing, phone ringing, neighbors visiting and so on, often make it hard for you to stay focused on your work. Especially if you don’t have a separate room set up as your office and you have to share your work space with other family members.

Mixed personal and professional life
Most of the times, there is a really thin line between personal and professional life and this may cause family problems.

Same sceneryWorking from home keeps you from a change of scenery. Besides, being non-stop at home can be extremely boring and non-productive. In general, people who work outside are more stimulated and don’t have this strong need for a change of scenery. On the contrary, people who work at home often need interaction with other people to feel motivated.

Each choice has good and less good things. So, before entering into the wonderful world of the internet that opens up extremely profitable opportunities, you need to evaluate the pros and cons of working from home in order to make a well-informed decision.

Source: readbud.com
Picture source : chumpysclipart.com, clipartof.com

Mar 25, 2010

Rural View

This week, I'll share a picture of rural view that I captured at my husband's home town in Central Java, Indonesia. Seeing beautiful view like this is so relaxing, right? And the towers, is it like a modern touch or just distracting the view? Visit Sky Watch Friday for more beautiful sky views...

Mar 22, 2010

Finding Your Soul Mate

Soul mate is sometimes used to designate someone with whom one has a feeling of deep and natural affinity, friendship, love, intimacy, and/or compatibility. Soul mates can have various types of relationships, which do not always include romantic love. They can be close friends, co-workers, a teacher, anyone who influences your life one way or another.

This post will only describe ‘soul mate’ in romantic love relationship. If you’re a single woman, you may think that finding your soul mate is very important; or it has already become a goal in your life? Well, you’re not alone, girls, because according to a recent poll, 98% of people think it's important to marry your soul mate.
There's a big difference between a great guy and the guy, right? So, if you’re still looking for the right guy, you should read first the guidance to find soul mate below. Happy reading, girls…

Be the person you would love to love. Instead of waiting for your soulmate to appear, make yourself the person you would like to find. Work on becoming the unique individual you're looking for. Expressing your individuality is the closest you can come to advertising your soulmate potential. Not only will you stand out, but you'll also be doing things that are more likely to bring you closer to your soulmate, who probably has similar interests and goals.
  • Remember that your soul mate might not be what you expect. If there's only one person in the world who can be your soulmate, what are the chances that they'll live in your town, look like the people you grew up with, or even speak the same language? You do need to be receptive to people with different backgrounds. So keep an open mind. Part of the romance of having a soulmate is being pleasantly surprised.
  • Be patient. Life doesn't normally work on the schedule you predicted. Your soulmate might cross your path when you're 8 or 80 years old. Yes, you might look forward to spending the majority of your life with your soulmate—perhaps buying a house, getting married, starting a family—but things do not always go as you plan. Don't rush into things, or else you might end up forcing the wrong person into the soulmate box, which will cause pain for everyone involved.
  • Accept people for who they are, not who you want them to be. Unrealistic expectations can ruin a relationship, and might even chase your soulmate away. Whoever it is that you think might be your soulmate, appreciate their individuality and trust that if this person is your soulmate. That doesn't mean that you can't encourage them to try something new or help them to grow as a person, just don't force things on them that they are not comfortable with.
  • Endure the storms. Meeting your soulmate doesn't guarantee "happily ever after." Things won't get easier when you find that special someone, and in fact, they might get even harder. Ultimately, a soulmate is someone with whom you can grow, and the only way to grow together is to face challenges together. So if you put your heart and soul into a relationship, stick with it through the ups and downs.
  • You need to find yourself before you find your soulmate. Once you're happy with yourself, a soulmate can make you even happier, but no one can fill an emptiness created by not knowing who you are.
  • Don't obsess over finding your soulmate. Just be yourself, keep an open mind and wait.
  • You need to know exactly what you want in potential partner; their personality traits, values, beliefs, outlook on life etc.
  • A soulmate is someone who understands and loves you just the way you are. If they're bent on trying to shape you, they want a slave (just leave it!).
  • Be willing to try new things, new restaurants, new cinemas, new courses, ...etc as there is no telling where you might meet your partner.

  • Before applying the guidance above, you should also consider these things:The idea that a "soulmate" might be an idealized fantasy. It is a very real possibility that many people can qualify as a soulmate, not just one other person in the entire world. It is equally true that you may never find your soulmate; if you want a perfect one.

    Do not expect an incredible person who is kind in every way. It will lead you to disappointment, which can chase your soulmate away. “Expect the best, plan for the worst, and prepare to be surprise”.
    Source:wikihow.com & google
    Picture source : sodahead.com

    Mar 19, 2010

    The Covered Mountain View

    -click on the photo for better view-

    The weather that day wasn’t supporting me. I captured these views from the 3th floor terrace at Bogor Trade Mall (Bogor, West Java, Indonesia). The sky was so gray and the clouds covered the mountain. If the weather is clear and bright, you can see the peak of Salak mountain there. I hope I’m able to capture the clear Salak mountain view one day.

    Visit Sky Watch Friday for more beautiful skies pictures around the world…

    Mar 17, 2010

    A Strong Woman


    A strong woman, a hard worker… my mind said that. But I can’t describe my feeling when I see this woman for the first time; sad… or … admire her strength?


    Last weekend, I visited my father in-law in Bumiayu, Central Java, Indonesia. That time, I was having breakfast with my husband at a small restaurant. From the restaurant, I can see the small river flowing under-not far away.

    I saw several people were walking up and downs carrying river stones and sand; from the river to the road above. The distance isn’t far, but the small path is sheer enough and slippery. Then I noticed that between those men, there was a woman…

    It’s a pity that I haven’t got a chance to know more: how much she paid for and how many rounds does she do per day. Unfortunately, the wage is generally too small…

    She’s doing this- a very tough job- only for surviving; to fulfill her family needs. Maybe she doesn’t have another skill or opportunity to have another job. The question is: till when she can do this?

    What we can learn from her? For me, she’s so inspiring. I truly admire her spirit and her struggle power to survive…

    Mar 14, 2010

    Red Jatropha Multifida



    I have this plant in my front yard. Simple and beautiful. Its common names : Coral Plant, Physic Nut, Guatemala Rhubarb. I share these pictures for Today's Flowers, you’ll find many beautiful flowers from around the world there.


    Mar 13, 2010

    A Good Woman

    I found these beautiful words about us, women. Happy reading and have a great week end…
    A good woman is proud. She respects herself and others. She is aware of who she is. She neither seeks definition from the person she with, nor does she expect them to read her mind. She is quite capable of articulating her needs.

    A good woman is hopeful. She is strong enough to make all her dreams come true. She knows love, therefore she gives love. She recognizes that her love has great value and must be reciprocated. If her love is taken for granted, it soon disappears.

    A good woman has a dash of inspiration and a dabble of endurance.She knows that she will at times have to inspire others to reach their full potential. A good woman knows her past, understands her present and forces toward the future.

    A good woman does not live in fear of the future because of her past. Instead, she understands that her life experiences are merely lessons meant to bring her closer to self-knowledge and unconditional self-love.
    source : www.funofun.com
    picture source: vintageholidaycrafts.com

    Mar 11, 2010

    A dragonfly in the Sky

    -click to enlarge the view-
    For Sky Watch Friday this week, I share just a simple picture here. But to capture this moment, I have to wait for a dragonfly flying through above me for a long time enough...

    Mar 7, 2010

    About Feeling Guilty

    Girls, have you done something you feel guilty about recently? It could have more to do with your gender than your conscience, according to recent research that suggests that women are programmed to feel more guilt than men.

    The academics made their conclusions after asking three groups – 156 teenagers, 96 young people and 108 older adults, split equally between men and women – to answer questions about what made them feel guilty, and to rank their guilt and their empathy towards others. The study was published in the Spanish Journal of Psychology.

    According to the study by Spanish psychologists of University of the Basque Country, women are more likely to feeling guilt, while men are programmed to feel less guilty about their actions, especially those aged between 25 and 33. Middle-aged women tend to feel the most guilt about their actions.

    The psychologist leading the study suggested that women may feel more guilt because they are socially conditioned to feel
    guilty about their actions when growing up.

    What do you think? How often do you feel guilty?

    About the study result, I won’t make a pro or contra position here. As you may already notice, women are still socialized into putting others first. From an early age women are taught that relationships are very important. It may cause internal conflict: do you set healthy limitations and risk disappointing someone else or sacrifice your own best interests to support someone else’s expectations?

    Men, on the other hand, are taught that they are individuals from babyhood. They function easily as independent decision-makers, often times extending their decision-making talents to include making decisions for other family members.

    What can you learn, as
    women, from men who not only refuse to feel guilty for most of their decisions? Let’s go through our days without uttering the phrase that seems to follow any decision that has our best interests in mind, “I feel so bad….” or thinking you’re a bad person for setting a healthy limitations. Would you try doing it? (I’ll try it!).

    I don’t ask you to be a more selfish person here; but since that we ‘have been programmed’, we should try harder to reduce expressing feeling guilty if we haven’t done wrong things…
    Source: examiner.com and google
    Picture source : noghtenazar2.info

    Buds of Purple Lotus

    Another lotus flowers from me. This time, they haven’t yet opened up. For me, they are already beautiful. What do you think?




    I share these pictures for Today's Flowers, visit there, and you’ll find many beautiful flowers from around the world…

    Mar 5, 2010

    Green and Blue


    Friday is Sky Watch’s time. This beautiful landscapes is located in my hubby’s home town (Bumiayu, Central Java, Indonesia). The pictures are from a friend who still lives there. I really wanna visit the place again one day and make my own captures. Hope it will be soon…

    For more beautiful skies pictures, visit
    Sky Watch Friday.

    Mar 4, 2010

    The Qualities of a Good Friend

    This post is still related with the previous one. After knowing the benefits of female friendship; you might ask : How to find a good friend and How to be one. I found this article, and I think it can be the guidance for you, girls…

    When it comes to be a good friend, look all the things you require from a good friend and ask yourself if you do the same for others. The qualities you want in a friend should be the same that you are offering to someone else. How else can you expect to have good friends if you aren’t one yourself?

    Having and being good friends is a two way street. If you require a friend to hold your secrets, then you shouldn’t gossip or tell information that isn’t yours to share. Be someone who is dependable and trustworthy.

    Loyalty Rules
    No matter what you do, a good friend will give you their support. Whatever you need, a loyal friend will have your back and they’ll stick through the tough times with you.

    There may be times that your friend doesn’t agree with the choices you are making, though. If that happens, have no fear - a true and loyal friend will still be there to lend their support to you regardless of the decisions you are faced with.

    On their Honour
    True friends are ones that can be trusted. You can trust them with much more than your secrets about your latest boyfriend or even the keys to your place. A trustworthy friend can be called upon to share your pains and pleasures and not repeat them to the first person they meet. You know that whatever you share with them – it is in good hands.

    Listen Closely
    You never have to ask your friend if they are paying attention to you. When you have news to share, they give you their full attention. Advice from them does not come without first knowing what you are asking for. They have heard you and listened and understand what you’re asking.

    Giving
    Good friends find that they do more giving than asking. They see a need from someone and they respond before the other has a chance to ask.

    Keeps You Smiling
    Feeling down or blue, your good friend will likely know how to lift your spirits and make your day. A true friend will have a way of helping you see through your stress and pain and discover the smiles waiting on the other side. You can count on her to make you laugh and see the bright side of things.

    Through examining your friendships, you can discover the types of relationships you want to build with your friends and what kind of friend you are able to be to them in return.

    Source:femaleforum.com
    Picture source: superstock.com

    Mar 1, 2010

    The Importance of Female Friendship

    A woman has a need of emotional bond. An expert said that in friendships, women are looking for identities and emotional support.

    So, in life, it's important for women to have close friendships with other women. Physiologically, as mentioned before, females have a greater need to emotionally bond with others. Whereas many men get by with loose, casual relationships with other men, women tend to look for nurturing, emotionally-fulfilling bonds with other women.

    This need starts in childhood and increases during adolescence, when teenage girls find support from their female peers. Often, less emphasis is placed on the mother-daughter bond as teens venture out and test the waters of young adulthood. But once reaching full adulthood, many young women re-establish the mother-daughter bond as one of their primary female relationship.

    The benefits of female friendship:

    As mentioned before, women seek each other for emotional support and identity. Together they can create healthy communications and gratifying exchanges of ideas and feelings. Add more women into the mix and an entire emotional support system has emerged.

    Psychologically, women gain self-esteem, validation, and happiness from such relations. Female friends can boost each other's self-worth through compliments, honest opinions, and suggestions. In times of trouble, females seek one another out to know that their feelings or experiences are normal and healthy. From these interactions, female friends bring away an increased sense of happiness and fulfillment.


    The psychological benefits of friendship may be more obvious, since its positive impact can be immediately felt. At the same time, there is a physical benefit to forming such close female bonds.
    Physical gains can be both internal and external. With happiness and validation comes a lowering of heart rate, blood pressure, stress, and the tendency to overeat. The immune and digestive systems work more efficiently.


    Situations that can provide women to positive emotional bonding:
    • Family ties: Mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, and cousins can form tight female bonds. These are often the primary relationships in women's lives.
    • Childhood/college friendships: These relationships can end up being some of the longest-lasting female bonds of a woman's life.
    • Mommy groups/ other mothers: Such friendships arise out of a common need--- to support and be supported as a mother.
    • Coworkers: Other female coworkers, depending on the type of industry, can be supportive of career goals and understanding of office tension.
    • Women with common interests: Joining activities such as tai chi, yoga, a cooking class, a book discussion group, or a volunteer organization can promote friendships out of common goals and the nurturing of these goals.
    Source:tempo, Jennifer Gerics, google
    Picture source: fotosearch.com

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