Grand Opening 4Life Research Indonesia

My mom and I attended the grand opening of 4Life Research Indonesia today. It was held at Balai Kartini, Jakarta.

The event was somewhat boring, motivating, and exciting (chronologically). Lol. At first it was a bit boring and I thought I’d rather be somewhere else or finishing my final assignments. The only exciting part – at first – was the keynote speech from 4Life Corporate Executive Directors.

Steve Yew was first and his keynote speech was great. He’s the President of 4Life Research with a background in Finance and Accounting (so he talks a lot about numbers and statistics rather enthusiastically). Unfortunately it was stained by a mediocre translator. He was very excited when he broke down the 4Life statistics but the translator didn’t even mention a single bloody number.

The second corporate executive director who gave a keynote speech was Steve Apple. In my opinion his presentation was the best. His voice was actually gone and he sounded very funny but he talked about ‘Adaptasi dan Atasi‘ (yes, he mentioned the phrase in Bahasa, which excited the people). The way he gave his presentation was exactly like the theories of a great and memorable presentation I read in a book (about how Steve Job would give his presentation and we know how great his keynote speeches were).

Third was Michael Seet (Vice President of 4Life Research, SE Asia). He’s Malaysian and gave his speech in Bahasa Melayu, which confused the heck out of me. @_@ I didn’t understand most of his speech because he had a very strange dialect to my ears. Fortunately, he gave lots of visualization and his slides were very memorable.

Last was Calvin McCausland, Ph.D. He’s the Chief Scientific Officer of 4Life Research. He talked about transfer factor – basically a product presentation. I have to admit his speech was a tad boring compared to the others, but still marvelous since he was the only one who talked about the product. And he was the CSO, so there would surely be no error. The translator who was in charge was the best out of the three and I have to give him extra credit because Mr. McCausland used a lot of difficult scientific terms.

When dr. Edu and Bu Rina were awarded for their achievement (Gold International Diamond), that’s when things get exciting – at least for me. It’s because I know them personally and they’re perhaps the kindest people you’d ever meet. Pak Ramos, whom I also knew personally, was also awarded the same kind of achievement. Both gave thank you speeches. Dr. Edu and Bu Rina were especially tearful and their speech was very touching. Pak Ramos… well, he sounded quite nervous, but at one point he sounded really like himself, “Harus bisa! Harus bisa! HARUS BISA!” It was quite funny… his nick name is actually ‘Iron Man’ because he often ‘irons’ people (tukang setrika); it actually means he’s quite a short-tempered person and often blast other people with his temperament. But he’s a very positive person, hence the blast of motivation. (I think he simply doesn’t want to understand why people can’t achieve what they obviously can, but afraid to do.) Anyway, the three of them are great people and they certainly deserve what they achieve.

After the event was over, we took pictures and shook hands with the 4Life Corporate Executive Directors. They were very humble and didn’t mind that we took lots of pictures with them.

(Sorry for the awful quality, I took them using my Blackberry)

With Calvin McCausland, Ph.D. From left to right: Oom Enrico, me, Mom, Mr. McCausland, Tante Elli.

With Steve Apple. From left to right: Oom Enrico, Mr. Apple, me, Pak Ramos, Mom. (Perhaps the nicest picture I have :”D and I can crop me and Mr. Apple for BBM display picture hahaha)

My mom also introduced me to lots of her friends and colleagues, which was always exciting. ^^ I haven’t been in touch with 4Life for so long I think I really miss it. Most of my mother’s friends a few years back are already in the International Diamonds level (Mom’s still at Presidential, which was one level below the International Diamonds). I hope she’d get a boost of motivation after attending this event – as I did!

One note: I’m actually somewhat sarcastic. I didn’t like being told to stand up and applause when the Platinum International Diamonds came to the stage. I didn’t like to raise my hand wen asked “Who wants to be successful?”. But 4Life pays my family’s bills. It has been for the past couple of years. That’s why I say it works. It rewards new and senior members handsomely. I’m not saying it’s easy – no work is, but I say it’s easier than most business. It’s cheaper and less risky than trying to start a conventional business.

If you’re curious about 4Life and what they have to offer (healthier life and financial freedom – I’m not even kidding), you can go to their website. Your curiosity not satisfied? Leave a comment below with your email and I’ll answer you to the best extent of my ability. ^^

Toodle-o,
Maria

I did a double take on… Standards of Beauty

I’ve actually wanted to talk about this for so long but never found the time… Well, there’s no time more perfect than now I guess.

First, let’s specify. The ‘beauty’ I will be talking about is related to the outer appearance of women. I will not talk about the beauty of nature or how beautiful someone is because of their personality. In Bahasa, I will talk about ‘kecantikan‘. I decide to talk about beauty because talking about ‘pretty’ is grammatically incorrect and talking about ‘prettiness’ sounds… odd. Let’s start!

Click image for source.

Since I was younger (junior high, maybe) I’ve learned that light complexion is considered as the ultimate beauty in Indonesia. Everyone wants to have light-complexion. Skincare products are advertising their glorified benefit of ‘whitening’.

I dislike it.

I have light complexion. And no, I don’t have any complaints about that. I’m not going to lie and say that ‘I wish I have olive skin’ or whatever. Because that is the point.

Whatever skin color you have, it must be THE BEST for you. Olive-skinned ladies are beautiful. Deep-complexioned ladies are beautiful.

That’s why I dislike the commercials and most films in Indonesia. Most Indonesians are born with olive skin and they don’t like it. They want to have light-complexion, like the people in East Asia. I really don’t understand why! I try to be empathetic, but I can’t put my feet inside their shoes.

Maybe what they’re trying to achieve is smoother, pore-less, dewy skin. I especially like the term ‘bright’ skin (not white; I hate seeing both terms used interchangeably) because ‘bright’ refers to that glow from within.

I realize that people with olive skin or deeper skin have a risk of  looking ‘ashy’ or dull. So let’s deal with ashy and dull; don’t try to change your face color altogether.

And for god’s sake, don’t wear different colored foundation just because you want to look ‘whiter’. Your face and your chest won’t look like they belong to the same body and it will look extremely unnatural.

I thought makeup is a way to enhance your natural beauty (and sometimes show your creativity).

I’m writing this article because I’m sad. In the TV they film commercials and films with so much light the celebs look like they have light-complexion, but when we see the celeb in real life, they have olive skin.

Is this the way the media forms the public’s opinion? By making girls with olive skin dislike themselves?

Why does light-complexion have to be the standard of beauty here? It is kind of funny since the majority of people living in Indonesia have olive skin (sawo matang, or hitam manis).

I guess my real question is, why do people want something they clearly can’t have? Especially with the fact that what they have is equally better. I’m not talking about curling lashes or wearing lip stains, I’m talking about the skin. Skin is the largest organ in our body. And guess what? Lighter skin have higher risk of skin cancer.

Maybe this sort of opinion forms because I’m considered a minority in my university. Maybe it’s because I translate the looks of envy into hate. Maybe it’s because I’m overly sensitive.

Nevertheless, this is my opinion. Feel free to drop your two cents or argue back (I’d appreciate manners).

Toodle-o,
Maria

I Did a Double Take on… Priorities

FYI, not priorities in general, just college priorities.

A couple of days ago my friends and I agreed to meet up with each other to do a group discussion together. We have a paper to do, which is due next week on Thursday, and we actually had the sensibility to work on it earlier.

Except for the fact that one guy didn’t show up…

FEUI is, in my opinion, quite well known of its events. There are events every week, catering to students’ every needs from education to journalism. Who made those events happen? The committees, of course.

This friend, who didn’t come, said that his reason for not showing up was… a meeting. A committee meeting. I continued with “Well, which one do you think is more important, your meeting or your studies?” (I was pissed off, actually, because when a team member is absent we can’t work at our full, best capacities).

Of which he answered… “The meeting, of course!” And he said so quite confidently.

My friends and I were baffled. If the phrase ‘our jaws dropped to the floor’ had an image, our reaction would be it.

I have two reasons of strongly disagreeing with him (both his opinion and his attitude).

One. The only reason we can join any event committees is because we are FEUI students. In my opinion, ‘student’ comes first before ‘staff or coordinator of YYY division’.

Two. We were in a group. Every member’s presence is essential. With his action, he cost mine and my friends’ time and energy.

Until now I’m still contemplating about it. I do try to understand his point of view. Maybe, in his opinion, he’d rather pursue something he’s passionate about rather than things he didn’t like to do. However, my second reason of disagreeing with him still stands. He said he could make it, but cancelled at the very last minute (even later than the last minute, actually…).

If he doesn’t want to participate in the work, he should just tell us, his group mates, the reason. We’d understand (or at least, try to). If he knew he wouldn’t be able to make it into our discussion, he should just state it firmly, “I can’t come tonight. I have a meeting. I’ve promised to come weeks ago.” Then at least my friends and I won’t have to wait.

However, sometimes I do stand in his shoe. Sometimes I do put this… ‘freelance’ work above my studies. I like doing them more than studying. And sometimes I’d skip class the next day (my work mostly revolves around designing, which I do best in the wee hours of the night). Is this the same?

Maybe I’m not bothered with his priorities. And I mean, why should I? It’s his life, he can do anything he likes to it. Maybe what I really don’t like is his nonchalant attitude – he didn’t seem a bit concerned about the paper.

I’m blogging about this instead of confronting him because well, there are some things you can’t confront someone about. I’m not trying to change his mind or his opinion, I’m merely expressing mine. That’s why I don’t think I should spend an effort to talk to him or whatever. And it’s not like I can’t adjust to his attitude – I merely didn’t know before. Now that I know, I can do a different approach in trying to complete the paper with my friends.

Toodle-o,
Maria

PS. I think I should take photos more often. I’ve been wanting to try instagram, but my DSLR is too heavy to carry around and I don’t have a digital pocket camera. Maybe I shoudl invest in one and sell my DSLR? I rarely use it anyway… What do you think?

 

Prezi!

Prezi is a tool to make awesome slides. It’s been a cult favorite here, in FEUI, but I never knew how to make ‘those cool presentations’.

Prezi is even cooler than Keynote!

It allows you to zoom and pan and turn the slide around… basically like a map, where you can zoom in to see a certain idea bigger and vice versa.

Moreover, it’s free. Moreover, the second package is free for students.

I’m so lucky I’m in college. ^^

All in all, this application is highly recommended. Try it if you haven’t; it’s VERY easy, I assure you. Just do some spelunking and you’re set to go.

At last, the ‘how’. Go to www.prezi.com and register. The only downside is that you have to edit your presentation online.

Toodle-o,
Maria

Shoes, Blisters, and Body Butters

Here’s a scenario: you just bought a pair of gorgeous shoes; of which brand is well known for comfort and quality. Then you go to a mall. And got blisters. The shoes hurt like hell! So you think the shoes might just need to be a little worn-in. But after a few weeks, the shoes still hurt. You still have blisters, and you can’t just dump them because they were well, quite pricey. What happened?

Truth be told, that’s my experience. The brand is Rockport and I actually got them at 70% off.

I love high heels. Moreover, I love classic pumps (or slingback pumps… or peep toe pumps… whichever). They’re so versatile; you can wear them with jeans, dresses, and whatever and a pair will make your outfit look instantly chic and put together.

I love my Rockport shoes, but I couldn’t wear them as often as I liked. They’re comfortable, sure, for the feet, but certainly not for the skin. I keep getting blisters, especially on my pinky toe. I tried slathering moisturizer and body butter before putting them on but to no avail.

And one day I realized how dry my feet were. I always do my own pedicure religiously, but I never thought of moisturizing my feet because… well, I never thought of moisturizing my feet.

At first I thought my skin was chapped because of the Rockport fiasco (that occurred almost weekly), so I started slathering body butter on my feet after my night shower and before bed. My feet looked better in no time and… the Rockport shoes stopped causing blisters. The blisters start again whenever I forgot the body butter-on-feet routine.

So here’s a penny of thought:

Before throwing away a pair of shoes because they got you blisters, maybe you should try getting a heavy moisturizer or body butter and start caring for your feet. Always use flip flops or whatever to get around in the house. Never go barefoot! Since I’m in Indonesia, I don’t wear socks when I’m asleep – the humidity and the heat don’t permit me, but if you live in a colder/drier climate, socks might help.

My choice of body butter is from The Body Shop. I love two of them actually, the Japanese cherry blossom and the limited edition duo body butter in sweet pea.

Click the image for source

Click image for source

Hope this trick helps!

Toodle-o,
Maria

Tintin

I’m an avid fan of Tintin. As a young girl, I collected nearly all the comic books (missing only a few). The comic books were expensive back then, though, and they’re even more expensive now (ranging to around IDR 2 mils for the whole packet, in English and hardcover).

As you might have known, there’s now a movie about Tintin based on the comic book story of The Secret of Unicorn. I know, I know, I’m horribly late. Blame that to midterms and the business of college. -____-”

Suffice to say, I’m absolutely in love with it. I know the way Tintin depicted is a bit… well, he’s way too handsome in the movie, LOL; the other characters are more comic like.

Watching the movie makes me feel nostalgic. I was so in love with Tintin I actually had a figurine of him and Snowy (though I don’t know where they are now; three moves in the range of four years made me lost a lot of things). Ever imagine you favorite character coming to life? That’s what I felt. Especially with the fact that the movie is in 3D-animation (realistic animation). Another thing to note about this movie is the animation. It’s simply amazing. I think the human movements are so natural. If only Final Fantasy made a movie with movements like this…

Anyway, I’m re-watching it on DVD now. I just love it so much. I wish the next Tintin would come out soon!

A teeny tiny micro downside is… well, if only the story isn’t based on the comic book. I actually know what’s going to happen before it happens in the movie :”"D. But if it isn’t based on the comic book, a part of Herge, that part of Tintin, is lost. Well, I’m so anxious to wait for the next movie! The story series (the Red Rackham treasure) is actually my favorite hehehe.

Toodle-o,
Maria

Hugger Bag

I admit that I spoil myself too much in March. There are an awful lot of discounts so I bought myself this really cute Hugger bag.

I rarely shop for bags. Mainly because I often swap with my mom and I’m very pernickety when it comes to bags. I have very specific preferences and won’t even spend a dime on a bag that’s not “quite perfect”. The truth is I shop for bags only when I need to (old one is washed out, torn, or whatever).

My new laptop doesn’t have a bag yet and since it’s ultra portable, I actually wasn’t thinking of getting a laptop bag.

But there was this discount. A Honolulu-like bag (Honolulu is a very famous brand in Indonesia and I adore their designs) for a fraction of the price. It’s Hugger bag.

Hugger bag!

There were several, limited models and after debating with myself between two that I love, I chose the red one. I figure a cream-colored bag would look dirty in a snap.

Little did I know the actual price of a Hugger bag is around USD 70 (or was it in poundsterling?). I got it for IDR 250,000 – that’s around USD 25.

Inside of bag, with stuffs. Organizational Behavior book, laptop, face mist, gums...

Pros:

• Sturdy – the bag has cushions on the bottom side, which helps in protecting the laptop.
• Environmentally friendly (said the tag anyway).
• Lots of compartments. I love compartments! There’s one specially for laptop, three for pens, one for cell phone (not Blackberry), one for keys and flash disks and such, and two big ones that can hold a water bottle (or umbrella).
• Cute design. I absolutely love the flower pattern for the inside and the huge flower on the outside of the bag. Simple, yet very cute. I also like the handles strap – it has a cushion, very comfortable on the shoulder, and prevent the handles to slip. In fact, the handles strap is my favorite part of the bag.
  

  Handles strap - or whatever this thing is called.

• Waterproof material (said the tag). But I like the material anyway because it doesn’t tear easily (had an… incident once involving excessive pulling, which is too silly to share). It seems like it’s easy to clean as well.

Inside of bag - minus the book and laptop

Cons:

• The design. So the material is waterproof, but there isn’t any upper cover for the bag. It’s like an oxymoron bag.
• The size. I know I should’ve got a bigger one, but the model was limited (at that particular store, with that particularly awesome price). But the tag says that my bag can fit 13.3″ laptop. My 11.6″ is a very tight fit – I don’t know how you’d fit a bigger laptop in there… maybe by putting it sideways? But then a part of the laptop would be visible.

Conclusion:

Is it worth the investment? Maybe. For me, definitely a money well spent (remember the discount price, lol). The brand speaks for itself, though; the bag is absolutely huggable. Click here to check out their official website. They offer free international shipping (with conditions).

Toodle-o,
Maria