5 Books That Transformed My Perspective of the World

The 10th Day Blogger Perempuan Network Challenge

This is the most exciting theme for me in Blogger Perempuan Network Challenge hahahaha! Reading has been my favourite thing from little children until now. To choose my best 5 treasured books would be very hard, but I could help with 5 books that changed my perspective of the world.

I have already shared some of the reviews or how these books widespread my perspective in this blog. So that, I compose them into a list and will provide the hyperlink of my previous writing (if any) for your further reading. Here they are 5 books that transformed my perspective of the world :

1. Veronika Decides to Die 

First time reading: 2009

This book is written by Paulo Coelho, and I read it before I made this blog. That's why I do not write any review about the book yet in this blog. This book is terrific. I was in lowest point in my life where I felt I had no happiness in life. I asked God, why I had to be born in this pathetic world to experience awful and pain in life. I was very disappointed about life.

The moment when a very good friend of mine lend me "Veronika Decides to Die", I was enlightened! Veronika situation was almost similar like mine, even she worked in a library hahaha. Even though it didn't state clearly that Veronika was librarian, but I felt related. Not only because of our job (hahaha!) but also because the questions of life she had. 

These were Veronika's questions : If at the end, human will be dead, then why human has to be born? Why she has to be alive today if at the end she will be dead? Why she has to wait to die if she can do it now? Sort of questions.

However, Veronika tried to do suicide but failed. She was sent to a sanatorium where she met 'friends' who got labelled by the world as "crazy". The sane-Veronika build conversations and be-friended with these 'friends'. She was trying to understand them (the patients in sanatorium) and able to make it-sound-to-be-normal conversation.

The plot of the story changed later on, when Veronika found out the her laboratory examine result. It was said, she was very ill and her days were short. From someone's the point of view who wants to do suicide, it was changed to value the most of the short time she got. That's how Veronika changed her point of view about life. Including me!

I was very surprised to read how Paulo Coelho describe human's mind and feeling in that depth. He uncovered his point of view about life : how precious our time is. You do not have to be run out of time, just to realise that our time is priceless. Our time is expensive and could not be convert into anything. 

2. Life Application Study Bible NIV
(New International Version) 

First time reading: 2010

Before read this, Bahasa Indonesia Bible and Bible in Bataknese language were the only bibles I knew. They contain all bible verses from Genesis from Revelation, and we had to be satisfied with that. They were the only options I had, until I met this bible.

First time met this bible, I shocked! This "New International Version (NIV) bible" is thick but not too heavy, and the content is awesome! The content is not only bible verse, but also history facts and interpretation of the bible verse and more to mention.

This is a very good bible I could recommend to anyone who want to know who is Jesus, the Saviour. Now I have my King James version which have the old translation form of English. Reading it really enrich me and put more information about how and why some event occurred in the bible, who God is, and what are God's messages for us.

I wish more Indonesian people could read this.

Read more about my review

http://friskanotes.blogspot.com/2010/03/life-application-study-bible-niv-new.html 

3. How to be a Lady

First time reading: 2016

I met this book accidentally in Adi Sucipto Airport in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This book is written by Alexandra Parsons and changed my point of view seeing beauty. After years, I never able to say I am beautiful not only to others, but also to myself. How worse my 'disease' is.

"How to be a Lady" explains that being a lady or beautiful is not only focus on your appearance. Being a lady is about your manner to treat others respectfully. I am so blessed how this book could change my life! 

Read more about my review

http://friskanotes.blogspot.com/2018/04/how-to-be-lady-that-memorable-2016.html 

4. How to Win Friends & Influence People

First time reading: 2018

Several friends compliment me to be a smooth talker, but I am nothing compare to this book author, Dale Carnegie! He was absolutely charming, modest, humble yet a hard worker! His modest background and his bravery to challenge life, shaped him to understand people from various background. Dale Carnegie understood people. 

This was a power which help him created public speaking course. This course was very successful and and turned into never ended revised hand book called "How to Win Friends and Influence People". The content is still applicable for current affairs. It opens my mind to understand myself and how to treat other people kindly and in sincere. Salute to Dale Carnegie. 

Read more about my review

http://friskanotes.blogspot.com/2018/10/how-to-win-friends-influence-people.html 

5. Brief Answers to the Big Questions

First time reading: 2018

"Brief Answers to the Big Questions" was published only 7 months after Stephen Hawking death. When I saw this book sold in Kinokuniya Singapore on October 2018, it was really thrilling my heart. I felt the death Stephen Hawking was in front of me, trying to speak his mind out lout. When I hold the book, I was stunned for a while.

Reading "Brief Answers to the Big Questions" is challenging for an extremist who hate atheists or other people except him/herself :p So do not tell me I have not warn you at first, Ok? I am doubtful if any bookstore in Indonesia is brave enough to sell this book :p

FYI I had read also Stephan Hawking's other book : A Brief History of Time but it is different with this book. Stephan Hawking provided the brief answers for the big questions of the world :

The Big questions are: 

1. Is there a God? 
2. How did it all begin? 
3. Is time travel possible? 
4. What is inside of a black hole? 
5. Is there other intelligent life in the universe? 
6. Will artificial intelligence outsmart us? 
7. How do we shape the future? 
8. Should we colonize space? 
9. Can we predict the future? 
10. Will we survive on earth?

The books are trying to answer these 10 questions of life. However, I stopped at chapter 3 :) Anyway, despite his famous statement said "There is no possibility of God", I respect Stephan Hawking as a person who stand, think and explained himself as, 

"My work is about finding a rational framework to understand the universe around us"

what Stephan Hawking believed,

"Where there's life, there is hope."

how he still had a big faith in love,

"But it would be an empty universe indeed if it were not for the people I love, and who love me. Without them, the wonder of it all would be lost on me."

why Stephan Hawking appreciated life,

"We have this one life to appreciate the grand design of the universe, and for that I am extremely grateful"

This physic is a human with a heart whose have a faith in hope and love. I am touched reading these quotes while standing in Kinokuniya Bookstore. Will buy one copy of Brief Answers to the Big Questions in next visit to Singapore :)


The Legacy

This is the power of the book! The content stayed! The person who wrote the book might death but the content stayed. You never know how impactful a writing to other people who need this little insightful injection of life. Keep exploring reading good "food" for our soul and mind :)

I hope you have fun reading this, and might inspire you to read it too.



Batam, 29 November 2018.

Learned about My Inner Self from These 5 Insightful Bloggers

I rarely stayed at home and have time to do blogwalking or regulary reading people's blog. That's why my 5 favourite bloggers are very special for me. Their writing's content always bring knowledge, inspiration, and motivation for the readers.

These 5 bloggers write passionately and still active in writing after years. Here is the list which I put based on chronological order :

1. Paulo Coelho

Blog address
http://paulocoelhoblog.com

I met him first time from his book "Veronica Decides to Die" and since then I become his fans. I visited his blog and surprised how neatly he wrote and designed his web in the previous years. All his writings were very organised well and I found everything he wrote always meaningful fo me.

Unfortunately in Paulo Coelho's current blog address, he changed the user interface in his blog. I could not find his previous writing now. Too bad :(

2. Bill Gates

Blog address 
https://www.gatesnotes.com/

The living legend, the world genius philanthropist ever! Moreover, you may read about how and why he keeps inspiring me here.

3. Agustinus Wibowo

Blog address
http://agustinuswibowo.com/

I knew Agustinus Wibowo's blog when I was looking information for my China trip in 2013. His blog is very impressive, full of backpacking adventure to the remote areas in China, Tibet, Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. He inspired me to travel further to rural and kampong (village) adventure. They become my favourite landing-place wherever I go. Unfortunately, Kak Agustinus seemed hiatus from his writing since 2017. We missed you Kakak.

4. John Piper

Blog address
https://www.desiringgod.org/

Recently know him from a very good friend and surprised to see how active he is in his blog. His blog is designed extremely well and the content always answer these nowadays questions about life. The length of the text just in perfect within his high quality content. Do not imagine the boring text with theoretic bible verses exist in his blog. John Piper always up bring the current problem of the world solutions under bible view.

A very insightful and interesting blog to read.

5. Putri Nugraheni

Blog address
https://youjustgotshrinked.wordpress.com/

A very good friend of mine introduce her blog to me and it's just excellent. Her content writing is inspiring, answered several questions about life, we had similar mistrust issue in life, and both of us are trying to always raise up from the dark pit of life. Moreover, something interesting from her blog is, she discussed the posts in her blog from psychiatric point of view.

Kak Putri still active writes in her blog until now. I'm catching up to read all the previous posts she wrote in her blog. In my opinion, all her writings are very interesting to read. You might stop and read it for a while.


Salutation

Where am I going, what am I going to do, is this good enough for me, is this worth my time, is this love, am I imagine things, am I loved, and more disturbing questions might appear in my contemplation.

That's why I would like to express my gratitude to my 5 favourite bloggers here! Each of you add a little part of me :) I shall have questions of life, might feel stuck sometimes, hidden in the darkness, just like a frog beneath the coconut shell. However reading these 5 bloggers' writing always released my stress and help me to learn about my self.

Thank you. Terima kasih. Mauliate Godang.



Batam, 28 November 2018

Waving Good Bye to Honai Sirbe

When we did storytelling for Utikini Refugee in Eme Neme Building, Timika - Papua, Indonesia

Dear readers,

Based on my previous post here, Honai Sirbe is an essential part of me. He is like my first born son, where I could not leave with untrusted strangers. However, I have to face the reality, I left Papua.

Honai Sirbe will be only an idea without people whose working on it. By the time staying in Batam, I understand I have to release anything attached me to Papua. One by one. There is no more reason for me connected to Papua, including Honai Sirbe.

At first it is not easy. I know I can be stubborn and keep insisted to the world that Honai Sirbe name and its logo was made by me. However, there is no use of a name if there is no people work on it, even worse, I am no longer in Papua. I have to remind myself, whatever the name is, the most important thing is, it is a non-profit place to educate and inspire children in Papua. Children are our first priority over our ego and hurtful feelings.

Through this blog, I gave my consent to 1000 Guru Papua as :

"I, hereby grant permission to 1000 Guru Papua to reproduce any portion of the "Honai Sirbe" name, photo images / logo that have been taken by me for the purpose of SELF USE and or SELF PROMOTION for NON-PROFIT activity and publication which can include but is not limited to, books, cards, calendars, invitations, and websites without any more compensation or recognition given to me. Furthermore, I grant creative permission to alter the Honai Sirbe name/logo."

I am waving good bye to Honai Sirbe and Papua. This is the last thing I can do.


Batam, 28 November 2018.

5 Essentials Items to Pack for Your Backpacking Adventure

Menuju Mandobag, Mentawai island - West Sumatra, Indonesia 

Hello Backpacking!

1. When is your last time traveling? 
2. Have you ever do solo backpacking? 
3. For how long you've been traveling on the road?

For me traveling is addictive, especially when I  do the solo backpacking. Through do backpacking, we are ready to explore anything what the life brings. We open our mind and our heart to experience and new people. 

Traveling is not about catch up with touristic destination and take picture in front of a landmark. Traveling is journey and I enjoy every moment I spend. The longer I have my time spent on the road, it will be better and richer in experience.

I prefer to have long backpacking journey, minimum for 5 days. Five days is not that short, so you are not in hurry and able to enjoy the whole journey peacefully. 

The Essentials Items

Based on my experience to do solo traveling 55 days to rural area in Cina, here are 5 necessary items I always bring in my backpack before traveling long:

1. Hand sanitiser/wet tissue

Sometimes, it is not easy to fine fresh water to wash hands before eating. Bring a bottle of hand sanitizer/wet tissue would be the first barrier of your healthy while traveling.

2. Bottle for Mineral water

Buying a bottle of mineral water could be a waste of money and environment since you produce more trash to this world. Bring your bottle could save your money and please make sure that you only refill it in hygiene water environment. 

3. Tolak Angin (Herbal Medicine)

There will be times when you might not feeling well. It's the time for Tolak Angin saving the day. If you travel short, you can have Tolak Angin every day. However, if you are traveling long (more than 15 days) and you go far to kampong (village) or travel abroad, better to drink Tolak Angin when you feel at the weakest. It would help to maintain your body system.

4. Diarrhoea Medicine

Actually nobody wish to use this medicine while traveling, hahaha. However, prevention is always the best. When you have your stomachache, the nearest store could be hundreds kilometres away, and could you do? Diarrhoea medicine could save your day. Thanks God, this is the only medicine I never use while I am traveling :)

5. Aromatherapy Roll On

It always needed. When you are traveling on the bus, or going outside at the night, aromatherapy roll on would help you to feel warm.

When you are traveling away from the city or going abroad, you might forget to bring the crucial matters mentioned above. Since, I had experience if you were sick on the journey, oh man, it's so difficult to find doctor at a time.

It's OK to bring these 5 significant healthy tools as prevention, better than got sick and left out on the nowhere without these. 

Safety Tips

More safety tips while traveling is, to be modest. Do not use valuable things, be simple, and selective when you asked information for road direction around. Moreover, try to show that you have this confident aura, and try not to be seen stand out as a tourist hahaha. And the most important thing is, put your positive minds high but keep realistic.

Now, it's time for you to check your backpack before go traveling. Have you keep these 5 vital items mentioned above in your backpack? 

Batam, 27 November 2018.

Memories of Foods are Powerful

The Most Delicious Food

Dear readers, I think most of you will acknowledge that food always bring you memory. Do you agree to say that our mother's cooking is the most delicious food we ever had? It may has the same ingredient for fried banana but somehow our mom's fried banana is the best hahaha.

As a young adult who work outside my hometown and rarely at home, Mother's cooking is something that I will be missed. My mother's cook always take me to my childhood flashback. Moreover, when I was ill, Mother's cooks always bring my appetite to eat. We called it as the comfort food. To read more about comfort foods, you may read this. 

The Memory of Foods

Food always correlate us to our memory. These memory not only limited in place, but also with whom, and within special occasion we might eat. Sometimes, when you have birthday and want to celebrate something, you might say, "Lets eat.", or "Lets go to restaurant." Moreover, eating become an activity done to commemorate frequent important occasions. We celebrate our achievement and cherish our precious moment through eating.

In spite of that, when we discussed what my favourite restaurant are, I thought the good time I've spent with good people while eating these tasty food in the restaurants. Moreover, there are always additional interesting stories in each restaurant I appointed. Here we go...

1. Bebek Sinjay

2012
Madura, East Java Province
Jl. Raya ketengan 45 Burneh, Bangkalan, Madura Island, Indonesia.

The Food
What's more to say?! The best bebek (duck) in Indonesia! Their sambals are crazy! They use this fusion sambal with additional mango where I could not find in another part of Indonesia. I even forget how many times I visited the place. Whenever you visit Madura, Bebek Sinjay is a must.

The Story and With Whom
I became a regular visit to Bebek Sinjay was when I lived and worked in Surabaya. Whenever I had friends to visit me in Surabaya, I always promote the restaurant to them. The tour would be : went to Suramadu Bridge, and continued to Madura island using public transportation. Hahaha, I terribly missed Bebek Sinjay!

2. Sichuan Hotpot Restaurant

2013

Beijing, Beijing Municipality, People's Republic of China

The Food

It's Sichuan (Province) style home-cooking with a hot pot. Just boiled everything we had on the plate and the boils water was separated into two. One side was for the ordinary boils water, the other added more red chili and spices. It's tasted great but the story behind this picture even more impressive for me.

The Story and With Whom

I had my solo backpacker adventure in China for 55 days and I was the 'bule" (Waigou ren) for them hahaha. On that day, I passed this full of people queuing nearby Hutong area in Beijing. I looked around and I found out, this's a hot hotpot restaurant! There were many people queuing in front of the restaurant while eating sunflower seeds. The foods there should be delightful if there were had so many visitors.

So that, I asked a help from the waitress (she stood behind me), her name is Ji Yi. Actually Ji Yi could not speak English very well but she was trying very hard to understand what I needed. I told her, I really wished to have lunch there but since I came alone, could I join with other visitor?

Broken English by Ji Yi (She is a Mongolian btw), blind at all in Chinese by me, with a mixture of Tarzan language, in a way we had mutual understanding hahahaha. Ji Yi helped me by asking whether I could wait with a bunch of girls who were queuing in front of the restaurant.

Thanks God they were not afraid to have lunch together with this stranger hahaha. Moreover, we were able to had a pleasant meals and exchanged knowledge about our culture. More surprising, these new friends are so kindhearted. They refused to let me pay my share. They said I was their guest.

Thank you so much Ji Yi, and my new friends from Beijing. This was one of best memory I had while traveling :)

3. Hometown Westlake Garden Restaurant

2015

Hangzhou, Zhe Jiang Province, People's Republic of China

The Food

This is a lavish restaurant with a prime location just in front of the well known West Lake. They provide you a bilingual book menu with waiter and waitress who understand basic English. This restaurant ambiance is so serene. Having a hot tea while sitting in front of the calm West Lake would not hurt your pocket :p

The Story and With Whom

It was raining when I visited The West Lake. The first reason I came inside the restaurant was for hiding from the rain hahaha. However, the first time I stepped my feet inside the restaurant, I felt this restaurant atmosphere was so reserved. It was tranquil. 

I decided to have a glass of hot tea and astonished to see how strategic the restaurant is, perfectly located in front of The West Lake. I sat and enjoyed my lovely hot tea even tough I had these monkey mind jumped around, hahaha. I imagined how Bai Zhu San (White Snake) and Shen Ling (Shelin) met first time in The West Lake. How blessed I was to be able to have this second trip to China to fulfill my promise to myself. 

4. Waanal

2018
Timika, Papua Province

Jl. Cendrawasih, Karang Senang, Kuala Kencana, Kabupaten Mimika, Papua 99910

The Food

Apparently, Waanal is the one of best restaurant in Timika, Mimika Regency. They provide various menu selections with decent servings. As you may see the picture above, this is how they serve Papeda (bubur sagu/sagoo congee). It looks good and tastes good also.

Moreover, Waanal provide a band set on a small stage, and they usually invite a local band to perform on weekend. Worth to visit if you stay in Timika for a while :)

The Story and With Whom

I was frequent visitor of Waanal and never get bored. Waanal is a very good place in Timika to hang out with your friends. Moreover, this place become special for me because of the memory I have. My mother ate her first papeda in Waanal when she visited me in Timika. She enjoyed the her first papeda experience very much. Thank you Waanal :)

5. Tre Cipolle

2018
Batam, Riau Islands Province

Kompleks Ruko Mahkota Raya Blok G No. 10, Jl. Fisabililah, Teluk Tering, Batam Kota, Tlk. Tering, Batam Kota, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 14420

The Food
It was so pleasant! This picture is the medium sized of Pizza Mozzarella. You can mix 2 flavours in it, where we ordered the pepperoni and mozzarella in the same one pan.

The Story and With Whom
This was first time I ate 'proper' pizza after working in Timika, Papua Province for (almost) 5 years. It was a time of revelation where I realised, Batam is where I belong now. Before, I think a lot about how dearly I missed Papua. When I saw and tasted how exquisite this pizza was, I understand that God prepared something GREAT for me. God moved me to Batam for a reason and I have to put the faith on it.

Thank you Ms C for inviting me to have dinner. She was able to convince me to broke my diet hahahaha.


Open Your Table to Others

Eating alone can be efficient, fast, and enjoyable. However, it is also OK to open your table to others. Why not? In my opinion having chit chat with a real person is more fun and interesting than busy playing gadget with yourself.

Moreover, next time while you are eating, please put your gadget aside. Share stories, build connection with the person who accompany you to eat, create valuable memories to have, treasured them well.

Surely, memories of food is powerful to retreat us to nostalgic old time and missed our funny and meaningful friendship we have.


Batam, 26 November 2018.

You Have to Peel Her Back One Layer at Time

My face when I had the writer's block

The 6th Day Blogger Perempuan Network Challenge

Welcome to 6th day Blogger Perempuan Network (BPN) Challenge with today's theme is : 5th fact about yourself. Honestly, in my opinion, this is the most difficult topic compare to other 29 themes of the month. As you see above, that is my troublesome face when I have a writer's block to compose today's theme. I sat in front of my laptop for an hour doing nothing but confused hahaha.

However, time always move forward! I have to accomplish the challenge. Lets discuss first why this theme is difficult for me. 

Who am I?

I think about myself as a complex human being, who has specific multi-trait characteristic, even I am still learning about myself. Apparently, being the real you is not easy. I always have a battle between my logic and my heart plus sometimes intuition might intrude in the middle.

After all these mosaic of life and character I have, I have to put only 5 facts about me? Which one you need to know, the best side or the bad ones? Hahahaha. Surely I am puzzled...

Learning about self is always interesting for me, and it's very important. Self reflection always can help you see life and problems you have from different perspective. Then how you describe this one self as by 5 facts only? Those are not enough, since to know a human being better, you need to peel his/her back one layer at time. Just like an onion. This is a quote I get from movie "The Blind Side" :)

Let me do ... 

Press the Pause Button to Think about 5 Layers of Me

Ok. After the contemplation time, I prefer to explain 5 layers of me where people don't understand / know about me. How about that? Because if it is only description such as : I like to read books, watching movie etc-those are already found out by my friends, nothing new. 

So you will encounter the 5 hidden layers of me below:

1. I am used to hate / put resentment for people

Before, I had someone confessed love for me but I didn't understand why I didn't have any expected response. It felt so flat. I thought what's wrong with me, and the answer was : hate and resentment ruined my life.

I hated those 4 people the most in my life. However, I knew I had to forgive these people if I wished to change my life recovered. After had battle with myself and praying for more than 6 months, I met those 3 people and had discussion with them.

How about the another person? He rejected to meet me, so let God deal with him. I'm already done with my part :) Since then, my life turns lighter, and I am improved to love myself first and others. Such a precious occasion for me.

2. I am used to hate men

I was bullied since primary school to junior high school, mostly by male students. Even though I was born and raised in Jakarta, but my classmates were very naughty and we fought each other. It was difficult, where there was no day I had without worries and hurtful feeling. I protected myself to be strong, and no need of man in my life.

Even though I had terrific high school time, I tend not to believe man until my college time. At that time, I was so lucky to meet a very good male friend. He cared for me as the real me. He saw a person inside of me, not me by appearance.

FYI, my appearance in college was so boyish and scary. I was very very thin, wore black big T-Shirt and black jeans almost every day. Not to mention my sandals and backpack, and those black jacket when I rode Tangguh, my motorcycle. It was a gothic and scary look ever. You wouldn't believe it if you saw the picture before and after me now hahaha. Thank you for my male friend kindness, I began to trust that a good man is truly exist in this pathetic world.

3. I am used to be afraid when we had marriage discussion

I have mistrust issue for man, even worse I claimed I didn't want to get married. You may read it here. I was afraid because I saw a marriage was a trap. Once you were married and married the wrong man, it would be the end of your world. There is no way out.

I am changed when I learned that I need a partner of life. I am a person who think a lot. It is a necessity to have a spare partner to share about many aspect of life. I could not depend on friends because at the end, whatever how good he/she is, he/she is just a friend. We could not expect within this status as a friend, that person can always be here with us in the matter of sadness and happiness.

Parents? I prefer not to bring up problems for parents. We have to make them happy. Brothers/Sisters? At the end, they will build family. A spouse is an answer. Moreover, learning more about bible is very helpful. I learned that marriage is not human final purpose in life.

Marriage is a vision made by husband and wife under God's blessing. There is no use of marriage if husband and wife living apart as I saw in several relationship of my friends. I learned we could not use our ego in marriage. We have to think in this "us" point of view. Where are (we) going? What are (we) going to do? How to raise our future generation who has faith in Jesus Christ?

Those are question we could not answer without God's help and guidance. Build a marriage is never easy, but it is worth the lifetime.

4. I never been in a relationship

I have friends, a lot. Including number of male friends. Some of them are my best friends, but none can surpass this friend zone turns into lover (yet). Moreover, I don't really understand what are those called as strategy for attracting males or else. I have zero knowledge about that. What I believe is just do kindness, nothing is attached.

However, the world see it in different light. Why do you do good and kindness? What is your hidden motive? Do you like me or else? OMG! I am so sorry if you rarely find a woman like me, but this is me. This is how I treat my friendships. I love my friends as a person, whoever they are, and I am willing to help with anything I could.

My prayer to God is, to make me fall in (Eros) love only with a man who will be my future husband. I have a faith God will choose the best man for me. Amen :)

5. I am used to think that I was ugly. 

For many years of my life, I never able to say I am beautiful in front of the mirror. I even avoid to see the reflection in front of the mirror. I was that 'sick'. Recently, on 2016 I read a book which has title, "How to be a Lady". The book and my family prayers changed my life! You may read my post about the book here.

So lets say, just this recent 2 years I am able to say I am beautiful and realise I am beautiful. It sounds silly and almost fictional but it's my reality. My friends for sure will recognise the changes, especially for they who haven't meet me before and after 2016.


The Life Surprise

To overcome these 5 layers, I spent years to understand more about me. I have to face my ego, and learned What Would Jesus Do in certain circumstance. Many times when reflected about life, I felt ashamed to myself. That is why I do appreciate my friends' honest life lesson. Those are my treasure for wisdom in life.

So that's why I urge you readers, to always reflect about yourself. Be honest to yourself! Admit it if you have negative side inside you, and challenge yourself to improve it. The 'sick' patient can't be healed if they don't feel they are sick and go to the doctor. So the first thing to do is: press your pause button, stop for a while. Think.

Be open about who you are and what your problem is. Pray. Discuss it with trusted friends who can build you as a better person. Be selective in choosing friends, and get prepared for what the life might surprise you in the future.

I am still on the journey of life and have more layers within me to get improved at. I am confident the road ahead will always have challenge but enrich my life. See you in the next post :)

Hopefully this side B of my life could inspire anyone who read it. Amen.


Batam, 25 November 2018.

Be Real in The Social Media, Is It Possible?

Social Media History and Growth

Based on Merriam Webster, Social Media is,

"forms of electronic communication (such as websites for social networking and microblogging) through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content (such as videos)."

Thank you for those social media inventors who make us connected throughout the net in the word wide web :
2002   Friendster created by Jonathan Adams
2003   Myspace created by Tom Anderson & Chris DeWolfe
2004   Facebook created by Mark Zuckerberg & Flickr by Ludicorp
2006   Twitter created by Boz Stone, Noah Glass, and Evan Williams
2007   Tumblr created by David Karp
2010   Instagram created by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger

We have so many choices to build and maintain social networking through these social media channel. Moreover the growth of social media is so incredible which one social media platform tend to replace another.

Friendster was closed, and other social media ate his delicious 'cookies' leftover. Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram still on the net, and I am not surprise if the future could lead us to more options of these.

Countries with the Largest Number of Active Facebook Users

Based the data published by We are Social, Indonesia is in the 10th rank country with the largest number of active Facebook users. FYA, this is only discussed about Facebook account, not to compare other social media platform. Moreover, do not forget China who made their custom made social media : WeChat, Weibo. They also have a big number of social media users as the number 1 population in the world.

These are such a great power of people who are digital literate and know it is important to connect to each other. Could you imagine if we could use this power to bring good thing into life, or else?

The Human Nature : To Get Recognised

As I described in my previous post here, human nature is to get recognised, to be appreciate as a person with a name. In that way, social media networking is a business which never end. It always grow and develop in whatever form or platform, and they always gain new followers.

You might open social media accounts with any platform, and it always begin with a name. Either you make a fake account or a real name, you have to put a name on it. You are recognised by the system, by a net, that you are exist in this world wide web.

Then, what will you do with that existence? Will you lead into positive influence for this already almost pathetic world? Either you will make it worse, put more oil to the burning fire? Will you get recognise as an angelic person with no fault in life or the grumpy old man/woman who curse on the net?

The real you is represented with only an account in social media. How far it can describe you and how honest you, can be you, in the social media? When we discuss the term "Social" it means we are not alone, we are connected and shared our life to them, vice versa.

So, how many social media account do you have, and have you reflect the real you in it? 

I will leave it as an open question, but how I respond about it was : to deactivate my (personal) Facebook account hahaha.

The Choices You Have

Some people would say, "Hey, this is my life, whatever I do or share in social media is not your business." Let me remind you here "Social" word means you are not alone in this networking. It's a matter of you represent yourself, the unseen the real you in real life, but the seen you in the net.

In my opinion, it will be a waste of time if we use social media only focus in representing your public image in the net. The real you is you. Nothing can change that. I prefer to see social media as a tool to build power for good causes. To meet and build network with people throughout the world to put positive influence in the world.

I joined so many activities helped by social media networking : reading club, library action, running community, cooking club, english swap, traveling club, and so on. I am flourished now, from a follower mindset to be a visionary founder. I am confident enough to use social media channel as a tool to influence people do positive things for my non-profit project of life : Pustakawan Mendunia. I open social media accounts under Pustakawan Mendunia username in several social media platform : Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

However, at the end of the day, we have to get ourselves sober :) I could share Pustakawan Mendunia social media channel for 1000 times in the net, but the person behind the social media' profile picture is the one we met. Anyone might like our page or add our Facebook account; follow our Twitter and Instagram account; but who are there for real, together with us facing problem and genuinely support us?

The quality of the person is the one will answer who he/she really is, not the social media.


Batam, 24 November 2018

Positive Answer to Blogger Perempuan Network's Challenge

Lived in The Cave

As I described in my previous posts for this Blogger Perempuan Network 30 days challenge, I didn't publicize my blog, Friska Notes, in my network. I let it found for anyone who need it, did not promote it purposely, to any friend and anyone I met. I love become anonymous.

However, I am not really sure if anyone read or find this blog become beneficiary for them. Rarely people left comment, even tough the number of Friska Notes visitors is more than 190.000 now. I don't think much, just write anything I found important which enlightened my mind and life. I made it as a note for my milestone of life. 

I think this situation will go on forever until... 

I Met Blogger Perempuan Network 

I read a blogger friend, Ms Maddy's Instagram. FYI Maddy and I met through Multiply blog. She shared her IG that she's joining 30 days challenge of Blogger Perempuan Network (BPN). I read Maddy's shared post and interested to know what is Blogger Perempuan Network. Thank you Maddy! :)

In my opinion, the whole application is quite complex because you have to submit yourself to be BPN's follower in their social media channels. It means you have to activate your account in Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to follow BPN's social media. However based on my previous post here, I already had deactivated my Facebook account. I also have to consider my Instagram privacy. FYI I locked my instagram account and only approved followers who I really know. 

Joined into Blogger Perempuan Network or not, was a matter of re-think about my late decision. Is this that important for me? Should I retreat my decision to activate my Facebook account? You might think, it's just an activation or even you can set up a fake Facebook account. 

If I was going to join BPN 30 Days Challenge, it meant I also have to unlock my Instagram account. I prefer to be honest about myself and anything I do. I always think before make any decision with based on my contemplation. 

Answered "Yes"?

I thought and considered the possibilities whether I should join BPN 30 days challenge or not. However, I love the challenge to force me writing 30 days, for the whole month. I answered "Yes" to do the challenge. Lets see if I could commit myself in writing daily for this whole month. I took it as a lesson and preparation for my next life project: I want to write and publish a book. 

Finally I set up to activate my Facebook account and made up my Instagram account into public. Moreover, I followed Blogger Perempuan Network's social media on the internet and updated my blog design with BPN logo. These basic steps were done.

After that, I had to fill up the challenge registration form. However, the last thing I knew was, I had to publish my blog address in my Instagram bio! Hahahaha! It was the LAST thing I knew, after submitted the registration and wrote my first post for BPN 30 days challenge. Such a LOL.

When life gives you lemon, make lemonade. The same Indonesian proverbs as "Nasi sudah menjadi bubur, jadi kasih tambah kerupuk saja" :v

Here I am already in 4th day of the BPN 30 Days Challenge. 

Friska Notes Go Public

Honestly, I am pleased if someone could find Friska Notes and could gain new positive insight from it. The problem is, who is that someone? If any, hahahaha. Anyway, after I joined this competition and tag @bloggerperempuan in my IG, I noticed I have new followers. Several people stopped by in my IG post and said "Hi".

This is a weird feeling, but it feels like I am meeting a new friend. I read several posts made by other bloggers who joined this challenge. If I found someone's blog is interesting, I also read their previous posts. There I found everyone's experience in writing blog is so personal. People shared the inner side of their life experience and it's not only me.

I think about how many female bloggers writing throughout this net? We might not able to meet everyone, every blogger in the world. It as a matter of destiny. But once you met them, their writing could be meant a lot to you and your life. If you are lucky enough, you even could meet them in real life, just like me and Maddy.

I'm curious with this wide, big power of opportunity we, bloggers have. We could do something together. We, female bloggers absolutely could make a positive difference in the future through this network. Can't wait for our forthcoming collaboration.

Thank you Blogger Perempuan Network :)

Batam, 23 November 2018

The Genius Gates Notes as My Blog Inspiration

The Early Years

When I opened my first blog accounts, I assumed that blog was a place to save your digital data. Moreover in my (past) opinion, it was so cool to get your name found in search engine hahaha. That's why I generated a few blog from blog hosting in Multiply, Yahoo 360, and Wordpress used my full name.

I was the emotional teenager and reckless. I called for a place to detonate the heartbreaking bomb inside me. It happened quite often, especially I didn't have a friend to be trusted at the time. In a way, writing in the blog becomes a comfort sanctuary for me, even until now.

By the time, I realise I need a blog where I can write anything freely without being judged. Since the words I wrote in my first blogs was damaged, full of pain and hurtful feeling, I determined to find another name for my blog. Absolutely, I could not use my full name anymore for blogging. I desired to look for my new blog's name inspiration, and where to look, if it was not the Genius Philanthropist on Earth, Mr Bill Gates.

The Gates Notes 

I read and learned about Microsoft history and how Bill Gates left Microsoft to work on philanthropy action. He is The Incredible! Your life achievement does not only come because you are smart and work hard, but also by overcome your fear. Who Bill Gates is, how he educates his children, his marriage, and his life made a deep impression for me. He became my role model, being geek is all right, and you still can have a life.

So, when I was looking for inspiration how should I named my blog, I searched Bill Gates name in internet search engine. I read one the finding result was : The Gates Notes. I looked at his blog / The Gates Notes, he said it is a "blog". I was amazed to observe how simple the blog design but the content is about developing human race throughout the world. This terrific content is on going until now.

One more notable point which I like from The Gates Notes, is the humility. Bill Gates didn't think this page for him only, to put him into fame or else. Even though he is already THAT well known. In my opinion, he thinks about legacy and future generation. He required to put his best effort to help others, as a tribute to put the world in the better light.

I believe, if Bill Gates is no longer exist in this world (I really wish he is granted with long life), at least his legacy will still exist and shall be continued by his trusted co-workers and also his family, The Gates Family. And yes, FYI, of course his blog is written in English :)

I am inspired by Bill Gates! I love his humility and his legacy to the world. I wish I could be someone who can always put best intention throughout my life. Moreover, I wish I can leave positive legacy at least for people around me and the ones whom I loved.

Friska Notes was Born

In November 29, 2009 Friska Notes, this blog was born! I used the Gates Notes name format, used my first name only, "Friska". I don't use any attributive full name throughout Friska Notes. I also hesitated to put it into public. I will tell someone about my blog, just if someone asked. If not, I do not need to mention to anyone that I have a blog hahaha. I love become an anonymous.

I determined to write all posts in Friska Notes in English as a part of this anonymously. So, the first filter to reach this blog is, I don't put my full name here; then the second filter would be : the language.

When I wrote all posts in English, it will be a challenge for any Indonesian to finish reading my writing until the last words. FYI, at that time, Google Translate was not well known yet in Indonesia.

So if I found a person (Indonesian) can reach Friska Notes, put an endeavour to read it until the last words of my post, and even left a comment on it, I felt honoured.

However, those all were in the past. Since I join the 30 days challenge from Blogger Perempuan Network, I had to put Friska Notes' address on my Instagram bio. Moreover, I unlocked my Instagram account now. There is no Ms Anonymous anymore :*

The New Spirit

Friska Notes was fulfilled with disappointment of the world and life in the first years. When re-read again my previous writing, I am surprised to see how dark I was in the past. By the time, through lesson in life, I am improved. If you are a faithful reader of Friska Notes (if any), you may recognise it also.

I am very grateful, I can see life from improved and sharpened perspective now. Purposely, I left those lesson of life memory here, as a note, as memory of my life journey, to reflect more about life. I wish I can spread this distinguish viewpoint through Friska Notes.

Batam, 22 November 2018

Be The Passion Seeker, and You'll Find Your Treasured Theme

Treasured the Time

Time goes so fast! Every second, minutes, and the hours spend every day, one thing for sure, we become older. But is life only deliberate about turning old? Does your life just pass by like that? Have you surprise to know it's going to be 2019, but feel nothing done or achieved yet?

Treasured the time! 

Treasured the time doesn't mean that you always keep busy, put full of activities for a day in your agenda. Treasured time means you can manage your priceless time in reaching your purpose. The idioms said, "Time is money", but in my opinion, it is supposed to be, "Time is valued higher than money."

So, what is your life purpose? Have you find it?

Passion Seeker

Once you resolved the purpose of life, you will realise what your passion is and will not waste your time for unimportant matters. Moreover, you are ready to sacrifice several factors in life to achieve that goals.

Be a passion seeker. Learn and contemplate about who you are, observe what is your source of energy and inspiration. Identify what passion do you have in life. Do you notice when did the last time you had full of charged energy in a discussion? Then you have already found your passion :)

How about my passion? I told you in yesterday's post, my passions are divergent. They are a mixed of education, children, library, and literacy movement. Moreover, I also like to cook, sing, watch movies, listen to 60's music, run, swim, and do art appreciation. I developed into a content reader than a content writer within these topics. Anyway for education, children, library, and literacy movement topic; I am willing to contribute about knowledge and education I had through my expertise in Library Science. 

Pustakawan Mendunia

Previously, I posted several posts here about my work experience as librarian or education campaigner. However, I didn't think they are placed in the right 'home' since this blog more into journal. The address itself is http://friskanotes.blogspot.com It's my (Friska)'s note. What so far-reaching about me, so that people need to stop by and read my personal blog?

If some bloggers/people require information about library, let them gain it. Period. Only the library information. They do not need to feel my personality, since this blog contains private matters and historic part of my life. So that's why in my opinion, a subject topic with your personal matter should not be mixed. 

Since November 2018, I decided to open a 'house' in the internet, under a website named, Pustakawan Mendunia. You may visit the address here http://www.pustakawanmendunia.org I still trying to fulfilled the content inside the website. Meanwhile, I am still looking for the team members who can have commitment to contribute for Pustakawan Mendunia. You don't have to be a librarian, as long as you have the same passion in education filed, and would love to put some effort for our voluntary works.

I wish Pustakawan Mendunia existence as my favorite theme, will be a blessing for anyone who read it. 

Note of The Milestone of Life

Aside from Pustakawan Mendunia as my cherished theme, I also enjoy writing as a note of my milestone of life. This world and people we met, is giving us so much valuable lesson of life. You can grabs this upscale wisdom by yourself or from other people experience. When that extravagant moment occurred, I really wish I can share this lesson with other people 'out there'. 'Out there' means you. Yes, you who read this blog :) 

Honestly, I prefer to keep my journal in http://friskanotes.blogspot.com as private. In the term of private here is, I prefer there is none of my friend who knows me, read this blog hahaha. I am hesitated to publish this blog address in public since the content is private and consist a part of my life history. Thank you for the 30 days challenge from Blogger Perempuan. I have to put this blog address in my IG's bio, even I unlock my IG Account. Such a challenge for me, where I prefer to keep my privacy hid, hahaha. It is the time for me to overcome my fear. Let people see and read my notes here.

If you are happened to be a person who know me personally, lucky you! Now you have access to read the side B of my heart. Welcome to Friska Notes! Especially for you and the other newcomers, I wish you find this blog inspiring! Please spare your time to read my complicated mind and writing, objectively. Be prepared :)

The Never Ending Inspiration

The lesson learned from today's post is : When you work seeking your passion, have no doubt, it will awaken your mind, the inspiration is never stop. It is there, fulfilled your head with creative and unexpectedly dazzling ideas. It just keeps pouring and will overflow your tank of life. Oh, I just wish I have more time to write.

Have you find your passion? Be the Passion Seeker and absolutely you will find your treasured theme to share through writing in your blog.

See you in the next post tomorrow :)

Batam, 21 November 2018

This Bizzare Alien Lastly Find a Devoted Friend

I was the Alien

Since I was a little child, I used to wonder whether I was an alien or not. I was very tomboy and hated wearing skirt. I was talkative and reckless when I found someone did mistreat me and my friends. I felt as a peculiar child compared to my friends at school. I was the alien! Hahaha. 

The Eureka moment came along in my college time, where I got my first laptop! I was connected to internet wifi access in college, that utilised me to be able to connect with anything. When I read this new blogging trend in the news, I tried to open an account, and it did not stopped there! I created several blogs usernames, and here http://friskanotes.blogspot.com is a marvellous friend where I befriended with, for 9 years.

Meeting the New Friends

I composed several blog username accounts in Multiply, Yahoo 360, Wordpress, and Blogspot. Why I registered myself under so many accounts? Because I wished to express my emotion in a 'proper way'. This weirdo feelings stay and sometimes I need to detonate myself somewhere, safely, without hurting people. When I reflected and looked back: I put those harsh words and evil thought in my multiply account. I shared my disappointed in life through Multiply, and after it's erased I moved 100% to this account in blogspot. I had no 'real' friend I could trust at that moment. 

How Writing Saved Me

Writing saved me! Can you imagine what can be happened if you are mad and you right away just explode there? Life is no joke. There is no such thing as edit, remove, or delete your real life harsh words spoken. Once you say bad words while arguing with people, you can't turn back the time and said sorry. An apologise might be accepted but it's already put a big hole on other people's feeling. 

By writing, I am taking care my feeling and afterwards, I am able to think clearly (usually after the explosion time is finished hahahaha). I am capable to think transparently about why, and how somebody could do evil things in the world. My mind is astonished! I contemplate about this Why and How questions, and those shaped me as the current me. I wouldn't say I am proud to be a person who said bad words through writing in blogs. But I really need a sanctuary to put my mind at ease without being judged. It was my history, but for sure this history helped me to reflect more about life. Moreover, we always able to make a positive advancement for the future. I found blogging is a perfect friend for that.

Current Blog Exploration

Growing up as a young adult now, I learned that I reconstruct passions in several views in life. Moreover, I work as a librarian and read books, website, and selective reliable resources in the internet, as website or trusted blogger. They open my mind at wide and hopefully wiser. Reading, help me to explore knowledge and many subjects of interests. Reading books, library, cooking, singing, watching movies, listening to 60's music, running, swimming, diving, art appreciation are just a few of my passions in life. 

When I had my birthday this November, I think I would like to dedicate my passion into something that can help people. Based on my expertise in librarianship, I wish I could help others who have no background in library science. I would like to distribute knowledge about basic and creative skills to manage library. I believe, library is no longer defined only as a building which store books. Library is the centre of life community where they can learn, explore, and open positive opportunity for the future. Moreover, public /community library put each patron equally, whatever the race, sex, religion or denomination he/she has. Therefore, I invest my effort in creating http://www.pustakawanmendunia.org

FYI, I have zero knowledge in creating website, but do blogging for 9 years absolutely helps! I am familiarised in writing and designing blog within this precious years. It provides me bravery to learn how to build a website. If you are reading this post, please stopped by in our page and leave your comment right there. If you are possibly know someone who is doing voluntary works in library, especially for children, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am willing to do it pro bono.

The Devoted Friend

Moreover, thank you so much for Blogger Perempuan Network who put up with this 30 days challenge. I am ready to answer the challenge, and would like to share my memorable and enlightenment experience with this devoted friend, my blog!

See you in next post :)

Batam, 20 November 2018

Happy Birthday to Me!

Dear readers (if there is anyone who read this),

November is here and yes I celebrated my birthday (again). I prefer to be alone in my birthday so that I can put my mind at ease, reflect my life, and make decision about life. However, this 2018 birthday is not that easy. Several of my friends in Batam noticed already my birthday in advance, and made effort to have this kinda birthday surprise and yeah. They surprised me 😹

Anyway, need almost a month for me to reflect before I made decision on the day, November 2.

1. Will be more selective choosing friends. Friends are not numbers but quality. I decided to deactivate my Facebook Account.
2. Will go after my passion in librarianship, with more effort and commitment! Submitted myself to buy this hosting and domain http://www.pustakawanmendunia.org Begin it from scratch and still work on it :D
3. Continue my passion in writing, since not so many people can be trusted (look at number 1 decision). Better to put my mind at ease by writing useful things.
4. Trying to settle down, somewhere. Lets see, will Batam be my permanent residence in the future or not. For you who followed my posts here shall be surprised. What's happened with Papua? Something really very the most trouble, terrible, and evil thing happened in Timika where I am very disappointed and I decided, "That's it." No more Papua. Enough. I can't stand with evil, and let them who sow will reap.
5. Enjoy time, have faith in God, God will provide! Still praying for Pustakawan Mendunia team members will come closer and ONLY those who has genuine heart will join our literacy campaign action.
6. About future spouse candidate? Hahaha. You should asked that if you are into Asian mind. I have none (yet). I decided, let God the One who choose this lucky man, not me. FYI I have no idea at all how to behave cute, or what so ever strategy to attract male. What I do is becoming me. Nothing else. If that's not enough for any man I met until now, God knows who he will be. Hahahaha.
7. To put this lifetime project : read The Bible from Genesis to Revelation.. Hopefully I can finish reading it..

Anyway, I just update this blogs layout and also check several blogs I made since 2009. I have 10 blogs only in Blogspot and 1 more in Wordpress, and deleted 5 of them. For the rest 5, I just updated the layout and will leave Honai Sirbe and Pustakawan Sirbe there. I have so many stories to share here, but better to have another occasion to share it. If you don't mind :)

Meanwhile, happy birthday for me and I'm praying God use me, help me to manage my valuable time to do my best effort while I am living in Batam. Thank you Jesus for this opportunity given, there is no day passed by in Batam without I'm saying gratitude for God's blessings in my life. 

Amen!

Batam, 19 November 2018, 23.09 WIB.