Curhat (Sharing)

Curhat adalah istilah lama yang  belakangan ini sedang trend, berasal dari kata ”curahan” dan ”hati” yang disingkat menjadi curhat. Curhat berarti berbagi cerita tentang berbagai hal, mulai dari pengalaman hidup, persahabatan, percintaan yang identik tentang perasaan. Ini merupakan suatu aktifitas yang tak terpisahkan dari kehidupan sehari-hari kita, terutama bagi kaum wanita/ cewek.

Sebagai makhluk sosial, kita perlu berinteraksi dengan orang lain. Di kala senang, sedih, kecewa, marah ataupun cemburu, sebaiknya anda berbagi kepada orang yang dapat anda percaya. Dengan demikian, beban psikologis yang mengganjal di hati akan berkurang atau bahkan bisa hilang. Jangan sampai masalah yang sedang anda hadapi dipendam sendiri karena akibatnya anda bisa menjadi stres karena tak kunjung mendapatkan solusi. Akan tetapi, ada hal yang perlu diperhatikan, kepada siapa anda curhat? Curhat tidak boleh dilakukan di sembarang tempat atau pada orang yang kurang tepat. Salah-salah bukannya meringankan beban malah menambah beban. Misalnya saja anda curhat pada seseorang yang bermulut ’ember bocor’ (tukang gosip), curhatan anda yang mungkin harusnya dirahasiakan, malah jadi konsumsi umum. Selain itu, pilihlah momen yang pas untuk curhat, jangan curhat di saat orang tempat anda berbagi sedang sibuk atau mungkin sedang tidak mood. Disamping itu, ada baiknya bila anda meminta saran atau nasehat sebagai pertimbangan anda dalam mengambil keputusan terbaik.

Saya sendiri suka curhat, tapi dengan cara yang berbeda. Saya curhat kepada teman-teman tentang hal-hal yang tidak terlalu personal misalnya masalah pekerjaan, pertemanan, atau hobbi. Karena saya termasuk orang yang sedikit introvert, untuk masalah yang lebih pribadi saya lebih suka menuliskannya lewat lembaran-lembaran buku harian hijau yang saya miliki (entah sekarang sudah berapa jumlahnya dan tak seorang pun boleh membacanya!). Dan tempat yang paling saya percaya untuk curhat adalah kepada Allah SWT, dengan berdialog kepada-Nya berbagi tentang segala hal dimana pun dan kapan pun. Lalu saran dan solusinya? Alhamdulillah itulah hebatnya, Allah memberikan saya kekuatan untuk bisa memotivasi diri sendiri. Meski demikian, saya tetap berharap suatu saat bisa menemukan tempat curhat yang tepat selain Tuhanku.

I’m probably not a good speaker, but believe me I’m a good listener. Saya tidak akan pernah menolak untuk mendengarkan segala bentuk curhatan. Bukan berarti bahwa saya suka mendengarkan, kemudian menyebarluaskan curhatan orang. Tapi, saya memang senang mendengar orang bercerita tentang pengalaman dan perasaannya. Dengan mendengar, saya bisa membantu meringankan beban mereka, selain itu saya bisa bercermin dan belajar dari apa yang mereka alami.

Curhat tidak memandang usia, status sosial, profesi, ataupun agama. Jadi, berbagilah kepada orang tua saudara, teman, atasan/ bawahan, guru, atau kepada siapa saja yang dapat anda percaya. Curhat? Why not???

“Life has taught me that respect, caring and love must be shared, for it's only through sharing that friendships are born.” -  Donna A. Favors

My Sweet Moments

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkXI1IK4CqI
Will you remember me the way... I remember you....
Will you be the same....last time I saw you....
You are the sweetest.....
Every moment with you....is the sweetest one....


This song is sweet...as sweet as an endless love.
I love this song.... <3

Say it in English...

Some Indonesian terms or expressions are translated into English. I hope, it will be useful....

Aduh, amit-amit : God forbid!

Ah bising, sana pergi! : go jump in a lake!

Ah, mo tau aja lu : you ask too much

Apa yang akan terjadi, terjadilah kita akan siap mengadapinya : come what may

Belagu amat sih lu! : you talk too much

Benar-benar, betul-betul : to be madly, truly, deeply

Biarin : let it be

Cinta buta : love is blind

Cuci mata : sight seeing, window shopping

Curhat : heart-to-heart talk

Dasar laki-laki mata keranjang : a womanizer

Dasar rese! : it is so annoying!

EGP - emangnye gua pikirin : whatever - I do not care

Gaptek (gape teknologi) : to be up to date with technology

Genit : flirtatious

Gokil : crazy!

Gotong-royong : cooperation

GR (Gede Rasa) : to have self esteem

Hitam manis : a good looking dark skinned person

Ih, nggemesin banget sich! : aw, so cute (I want to crush you to pieces and eat you up!) usually said with much excitement

Jaim, jaga image, jaga gengsi : to keep up with the Jones

Jayuz : telling jokes that is not funny

Jomblo : someone who does not have a boyfriend or a girlfriend

Kasihan deh lu : poor thing, poor you

Kawin lari : to elope

Kebangetan : that is far out, that is unbelievable

Kecele : I am sorry I thought you were someone else

Kekasih gelap : secret lover

Kesemutan : one's leg is asleep

Kikuk : awkward

Kuper, kurang pergaulan : not out going (very narrow minded due to lack of communication skills)

Mabuk-mabukan, minum-minum : to have a drinking party (alcohol)

Mak comblang : a match maker

Malu-malu kucing : to be shy

Malu-maluin : to bring shame

Mata duitan : to love money

Mimpi kali yee! : only in your dreams, dream on, it

Minggir dong : watch out; move over!; excuse me!

Naksir : to have a crush on someone

Ngambek : to sulk

Nggak juga sih : not so much

Ngiler : to drool or to want something real bad

Pamali : taboo

Pantesan : oh, no wonder

Parno abis deh : very terrified, petrified with fear or worry

Patah hati : broken hearted

PD - percaya diri : self confidence

PDKT – pendekatan : saying nice things to someone like 'you look nice today' to get to know someone better

Pedagang kaki lima : street vendor

Perut keroncongan : growling stomach due to hunger

Pesantren : an Islamic school and dormitory

Plin-plan : wishy-washy

Ragu-ragu : to hesitate, to be in doubt

Rasain : serves you right, you deserve it

Sambal : hot pepper sauce

Sampaikan salam saya kepada : please give my regards to …

Saya lagi nggak mood ngomong sama kamu : I do not feel like talking to you right now

Bagai seekor burung pungguk yang merindukan bulan : to have very high expectations

Semau gue : I will do as I please, whatever I like

Senyuman maut : a killer smile

Serak-serak basah : throaty, hoarse, husky voice

Sok tahu : smart alleck, mr. know-it-all

Syukur, untunglah : thank goodness

Tabrak lari : hit and run

Tidur-tiduran : lying around - to lounge around

Tumben : surprisingly;it is surprising that you come, that you called, that you contact us (something which has not been happening for a while)

wira-wiri : to and fro

Ya ampun : oh my goodness

If you have any correction about this post, please comment. ^_^

Ref:

From many sources

Poem for Mama

I wrote this poem as I sat, thinking of my mama.
I dedicate this poem on her special day.


Dear Mama,
I’ve seen an angel
Since the day I was born
She’s beautiful and strong.
She cried when she heard my voice.
She smiled when she saw my face.
And it’s you…mama.

Day after day we’re together.
You’ve taught me right from wrong.
Year after year is passing by.
You’re getting older.
But, I see your gentle heart is still young.

Now your daughter has grown up.
I’m not a pretty girl as you wish.
I’m not a smart girl as you wish.
And I haven’t been a perfect woman as you hope.
But, I promise to make
All your dreams come true.

I would never stop saying Alhamdulillah
Because I have you here.
Thanks God… Thanks mama….
For the care, the love, and the prayer
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, my wonder woman.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, my dearest mama.
I love you with all my heart.
©  J  ©

(by Maryunita Mark)

When You Need Me

I dedicate this poem to all of my friends.

Coz you’re my inspiration.

Hanya untukmu,kawanku….

When you need me

By Maryunita Mark

If there’s a burden in your mind

Let me know what makes you burden be

Just talk to me and I’ll listen to you

Coz when you need me…

I’m still right here.

If there’s a fear in your soul

I won’t let you feel so scared

Just look into my eyes and I’ll hold you

Coz when you need me…

I’m still right here.

If there’s a sadness in your heart

And the tears couldn’t be dammed up

Just cry and I’ll wipe your tears

Coz when you need me…

I’m still right here.

If there’s a loneliness in your life

And you couldn’t find the happiness

Just call my name and I’ll share the laughter

Coz when you need me….

I’ll be there for you.

Surga-Mu

"Sesungguhnya mereka yang beriman dan beramal sholeh, tentulah Kami tidak menyia-nyiakan pahala orang-orang yang mengerjakan amal(nya) dengan baik. Mereka itulah orang-orang yang mendapatkan surga 'Adn, sungai-sungai mengalir di bawahnya, dalam surga itu mereka diberi perhiasan gelang emas dan mereka memakai pakaian hijau dari sutera halus dan tebal dan mereka duduk sambil bersandar di atas dipan-dipan yang indah, itulah pahala yang sebaik-baiknya dan tempat istirahat yang indah."
(al-Kahfi : 30-31)

Ya Allah...sungguh kuingin menjadi penghuni surga-Mu. Kuingin mengenakan pakaian hijau dari sutera halus nan tebal itu. 

Kreatif & Kaya

Siapa yang tak ingin jadi orang kaya? Semua orang pasti akan berkata ‘saya ingin kaya’. Tahu kah anda, kaya itu relatif. Sebagian orang sudah merasa kaya bila memiliki uang 1 juta. Sebagian lagi merasa belum kaya bila hanya memiliki 1 Miliar. Persepsi orang yang berbeda-beda tersebut, mungkin disebabkan oleh faktor dari dalam seperti gen dan sifat, ataupun faktor dari luar seperti lingkungan sekitar dan gaya hidup.

Anda tentu akan senang bila anda dapat membeli semua barang yang anda sukai. Tak dapat dipungkiri orang yang memiliki kekayaan berupa harta akan lebih dihormati daripada orang yang hidupnya pas-pasan apalagi bila dibandingkan dengan orang miskin. Dalam beberapa hal penting orang kaya akan lebih diutamakan dari pada orang miskin. Itulah sebabnya mengapa orang berlomba-lomba menjadi kaya. Coba saja anda bertanya pada teman-teman dekat anda yang masih single, pasangan seperti apa yang mereka dambakan. Sebagian besar dari mereka akan menjawab pasangan yang hidupnya mapan atau kalo perlu yang kaya raya. Tidak munafik saya pun berharap yang demikian, tapi saya tidak akan berpikiran sesempit itu. Kekayaan tidak abadi. Sewaktu-waktu orang kaya bisa saja jatuh miskin. Dan bisa saja terus terpuruk dalam kemiskinan bila ia tidak berpikiran cerdas dan kreatif.

Mengapa harus kreatif? Orang kreatif cenderung berpikiran cerdas dan mampu mengatasi setiap permasalahan. Mereka memiliki banyak kelebihan yang istimewa dan potensi untuk meraih kesuksesan secara alamiah. Orang kreatif memiliki sifat atau kebiasaan sebagai berikut:

v Bersikap terbuka. Orang kreatif terbuka terhadap segala macam ide, gagasan, dan pemikiran. Kebiasaan inilah yang mengondisikan pikiran orang-orang kreatif selalu dalam keadaan terbuka, peka, dan siap menerima hal baru. Kebiasaan ini memudahkan mereka beradaptasi dan merespon secara positif (positive thinking) berbagai bentuk perubahan di sekelilingnya. Inilah kelebihan orang-orang kreatif sehingga banyak perubahan, penemuan teknologi baru, atau karya-karya spektakuler yang muncul dari proses kreatif mereka.

v       Berani mencoba. Tak ada yang bisa menandingi keberanian orang-orang kreatif dalam bereksperimen dengan hal-hal baru, bahkan yang asing atau nampak tidak masuk akal. Orang kreatif sama saja dengan kebanyakan orang yang memiliki rasa takut terhadap hal-hal tertentu yang tidak sepenuhnya dia kenal. Yang membedakan dia dengan orang kebanyakan hanyalah pada tingkat keberaniannya untuk mencoba. Dengan mencoba orang kreatif menemukan banyak hal baru, memecahkan teka-teki atau misteri yang membuatnya penasaran, dan tentu saja memuaskan rasa ingin tahunya yang begitu besar.

v      Menyukai tantangan. Orang kreatif  bisa menciptakan tantangan-tantangan pribadi dan merespon secara kuat tantangan dari luar. Tantangan selalu mengusik, mengganggu, bahkan menghantui orang kreatif. Pada saat yang sama, tantangan menjadi sumber energi yang luar biasa yang memacunya untuk berani menghadapi, bahkan mengalahkan tantangan tersebut.

v       Cerdas dalam mengolah. Orang-orang kreatif sangat ahli dalam menyiasati berbagai bentuk aral eksternal. Mereka juga cenderung independen dalam melakukan aktivitasnya dan selalu memasukkan roh 'kepribadiannya' dalam proses tersebut. Proses kreatif - dan merambah ke segala bentuk proses - bagi orang kreatif berarti proses aktulaisasi diri. Jangan berharap orang kreatif rela membiarkan sesuatu berjalan atau dalam keadaan seperti yang sudah-sudah, apa adanya dan biasa-biasa saja.

v        Imaginatif. Dengan imajinasinya orang-orang kreatif mampu menciptakan dunia yang tak terbatasi oleh dimensi waktu; masa lalu, masa kini, masa mendatang, atau masa yang hingga kini belum terdefinisikan. Imajinasi adalah nafasnya kreatifitas. Dengan kekuatan imajinasi inilah orang mendapat bahan mentah bagi proses kreatif dan hasil inovatifnya.

v       Menyukai Variasi. Orang kreatif terbiasa untuk berpikir alternatif, menyuguhkan pilihan-pilihan, dan variasi. Banyak hal terasa begitu cepat membosankan. Namun kebosanan mereka bukanlah kebosanan sederhana, kebosanan yang pemecahannya tergantung pada sumber-sumber pemenuhan dari luar dirinya. Kebosanan orang kreatif adalah kebosanan yang menantang dan menggerakkan dirinya untuk menemukan hal baru, dengan mendayagunakan sumber - sumber, potensi, dan kemampuannya sendiri.

v       Bersemangat. Orang-orang kreatif selalu bersemangat dalam mengerjakan sesuatu. Mereka menunjukkan kemampuan mereka dalam mengalirkan energi positif kepada diri sendiri maupun orang sekitar. Sebab itulah orang-orang kreatif cenderung menikmati humor, bahkan memanfaatkannya sebagai metode - metode khusus dalam memecahkan masalah. 

Orang yang kreatif tidak akan takut pada kegagalan dan  mampu bangkit kembali setelah terjatuh. Dengan kreatifitas, seseorang akan mampu berkembang step by step, mencapai kesuksesan, bahkan memperoleh kekayaan. Dan yang terpenting adalah meraih kebahagiaan. Jadi, kesimpulannya adalah bila ingin kaya ya harus kreatif. Itu menurut saya, bagaimana dengan anda?

Mengapa Saya Menyukai Teh?

Mengapa saya menyukai teh? Hampir setiap hari saya meminum teh dan saya memang suka minum teh sejak kecil. Terkadang saya minum teh di pagi hari, namun bila tidak sempat karena harus buru-buru ke sekolah, saya menyempatkan minum teh di kantor pada siang atau sore hari. Tak jarang juga saya minum teh sebelum tidur sambil mengerjakan tugas-tugas, sedang membuat tulisan, atau ketika sedang mencoret-coret kertas dengan desain busana. Asumsi saya, secangkir teh dapat me-refresh (menyegarkan kembali) pikiran dan tubuh. So what do I know about tea?

Teh adalah minuman yang dibuat dengan cara menyeduh daun, pucuk daun, atau tangkai daun yang dikeringkan dari tanaman camellia sinensis dengan air panas. Teh terbagi dalam 4 macam, yaitu teh hitam, teh oolong, teh hijau, dan teh putih.

Teh dikenal sejak sekitar 2.737 tahun Sebelum Masehi pada masa kekaisaran Sheh Nong di China. Pada suatu hari, ketika Kaisar Shen Nung akan minum air mendidih, beberapa daun dari pohon yang menjuntai tertiup angin dan jatuh di panci berisi air mendidih tersebut. Sang Kaisar ingin tahu dan memutuskan untuk mencicipi air rebusan yang tidak menyerupai minuman tersebut. Kaisar menemukan air rebusan itu sedap dan menyegarkan tubuh. 

Cerita dari India menghubungkan penemuan teh dengan biarawan Bodhidharma. Sang biarawan sangat kecapekan setelah mengakhiri pertapaannya selama 7 tahun. Dalam keputus-asaan dia mengunyah beberapa daun yang tumbuh didekatnya, yang dengan serta-merta menyegarkannya kembali. India saat ini merupakan penghasil teh terbesar di dunia, tetapi tidak ada catatan sejarah mengenai minum teh di India sebelum abad kesembilan belas. Eksperimen dari Bodhidharma mengunyah teh tidak pernah disebarkan kepada masyarakat umum pada saat itu.

 

Mitologi lain dari Jepang mengenai biarawan yang bertapa, Bodhidharma, menjelaskan bagaimana ia membuang kelopak matanya yang berat ke tanah karena merasa frustasi tidak mampu untuk tetap terjaga. Pohon teh tumbuh dimana ia membuang kelopak matanya. Dedaunan dari pohon yang baru tumbuh ini secara ajaib menyembuhkan kepenatannya. Teh bukan asli dari Jepang, melainkan dibawa oleh seorang biarawan bernama Dengyo Daishi yang membawa biji tanaman teh dari Cina. 

Setelah itu,karena manfaatnya teh kemudian menyebar ke berbagai penjuru dunia, termasuk di Indonesia. Manfaat teh antara lain adalah sebagai antioksidan, memperbaiki sel-sel yang rusak, menghaluskan kulit, melangsingkan tubuh, mencegah kanker, mencegah penyakit jantung, mengurangi kolesterol dalam darah, melancarkan sirkulasi darah. Maka, tidak heran bila minuman ini disebut-sebut sebagai minuman kaya manfaat. 

Mungkin bagi kebanyakan kalangan di negara kita, menganggap acara minum teh merupakan hal yang biasa. Namun, di beberapa negara acara minum teh merupakan momen yang spesial. 

China

Orang China sangat memerhatikan rasa dan aroma teh. Mereka juga senang membanding-bandingkan satu jenis teh dengan teh lainnya. Di China, penyajian minum teh tidak disertai dengan hidangan makanan.

Dalam tradisi minum teh di China, ada dua wadah yang digunakan. Sebuah gelas dan sebuah mangkuk. Gelas berfungsi untuk menghirup aroma teh, sedangkan mangkuk berfungsi untuk meminum air teh.

Orang China membuat teh secara bersama-sama. Daun teh dimasukkan hingga menutupi lingkaran dasar poci. Poci terbuat dari tanah liat merah yang berpori rapat sehingga ketika dituangi air, lambat laun poci akan menjadi kering kembali.

Poci ditaruh di atas mangkuk yang lebih besar, lalu dituangi air mendidih hingga luber. Air yang luber akan tertampung di mangkuk besar itu. Kemudian poci ditutup sekitar dua menit.

Air teh dituang ke dalam gelas lalu dipindahkan ke mangkuk. Seusai memindahkan air teh, tamu menghirup aroma teh dari gelas sebagai tanda penghormatan pada tuan rumah yang telah menyajikan teh. Setelah itu, barulah teh bisa diminum. Proses ini dilakukan berulang-ulang dengan jenis teh yang berbeda-beda.

Jepang

Tradisi upacara minum teh di negara ini berlangsung sekitar empat jam. Pertama-tama tamu datang dan diantar ke ruang tunggu. Mereka akan disuguhi air panas dari ketel di sebuah cangkir. Di ruang ini, tamu diharapkan memuji tuan rumah. Lalu, bersama-sama mereka menuju taman.

Tamu berhenti untuk mencuci tangan dan mulut di air pancuran di taman. Lalu, tamu melepaskan sepatu dan beberapa barang bawaan sebelum masuk ke ruang penyuguhan teh. Di sini tamu menikmati dekorasi dan rangkaian bunga sambil minum sake. Tamu kemudian kembali ke taman sambil menunggu tuan rumah menyiapkan teh kental. Setelah selesai, tuan rumah akan membunyikan gong yang menandakan tamu segera kembali ke ruang penyuguhan teh.

Di ruang penyuguhan, tamu dipersilakan minum teh kental dengan beberapa makanan. Teh panas disajikan dengan wiski. Para tamu hendaknya cermat mengagumi taman, perkakas, dekorasi, arsitektur, keramik, dan bunga-bunga yang ada di ruangan.

Rusia

Orang Rusia mengenal teh sejak abad ke-17. Mereka minum teh sambil berdiri, mengikuti tradisi orang Barat. Orang Rusia menggunakan ketel samovar, mirip ketel orang Mongol. Samovar dulu dikenal untuk membuat minuman madu berempah. Air dididihkan di ketel samovar dengan tungku dan arang. Di musim panas, samovar ditempatkan di meja di sebuah taman sehingga asap dari air mendidih bisa keluar dengan leluasa. Sementara di musim dingin, samovar ditempatkan di dalam ruangan. Leher ketel disambungkan dengan pipa menuju cerobong asap agar asap dari air mendidih bisa langsung dilepas ke luar rumah.

Sambil menunggu air mendidih, zavarka atau poci teh dipanaskan. Setelah itu, uap yang menempel di zavarka dilap dengan serbet. Daun teh dimasukkan sampai hangat dan layu dalam zavarka yang ditutup hingga aroma teh keluar. Lalu air mendidih dituangkan pada zavarka hingga daun tenggelam.

Air teh dituangkan dalam gelas-gelas perak. Untuk menikmati teh, dimasukkan satu sendok selai atau gula putih ke dalam mulut, lalu teh yang biasanya telah ditetesi lemon diminum. Biasanya teh disajikan dengan kue-kue manis.

Inggris

Teh dikenalkan di Inggris sekitar tahun 1652. Harganya sangat tinggi karena dianggap sebagai minuman bangsawan. Salah satu bangsawan yang menggemari teh adalah Pangeran Charles II dan istrinya, Catherine de Braganza. Dari bangsawan-bangsawan Inggris, teh dikenal sampai ke beberapa negara.

Teh yang biasa disajikan saat sarapan dan makan malam diperkenalkan seorang bangsawan Inggris sebagai minuman pergaulan. Mereka menikmati teh sambil jalan-jalan di halaman rumah. Gaya hidup para bangsawan ini ditiru oleh para keluarga Inggris.

Kebiasaan minum teh di Inggris masih berlangsung hingga kini. Ada dua jenis upacara teh di Inggris. Teh cair biasanya disajikan pada siang hari dalam pertemuan keluarga. Dihidangkan dengan roti berselai, sandwich, atau makanan kecil lainnya.

Irak

Bagaimana pun sibuknya, orang Irak selalu menyempatkan diri untuk berkumpul pada sore hari sambil menikmati teh. Tiap orang duduk melingkar di ruang tamu sambil menanti sajian teh. Apresiasi orang Irak pada penyajian teh sangat tinggi. Jadi, menyuguhkan teh celup sangat tidak dianjurkan karena bisa dicemooh.

Setiap keluarga memiliki tradisi sendiri dalam membuat teh, tetapi proses intinya sama. Air dididihkan dalam ketel. Daun teh dimasukkan ke dalam poci dan dituangi air mendidih hingga daunnya naik ke atas. Poci ditaruh di atas ketel agar tetap panas hingga daun teh tenggelam.

So, have you had a cup of tea today? If you haven't had it yet, come over and join me...  ^_^

By

Maryunita Mark

References:

Food-Info.net is an initiative of Wageningen University, The Netherlands
http://kompas.com/kompas-cetak/0412/20/teropong/1431970.htm
kesehatan.kompasiana.com/medis/2009/11/15/semua-tentang-teh/
http:/id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teh

The Women Who Inspired Me

           I am not a girl not yet a woman. That's what Britney Spears said. I'm not beautiful, rich, wise or smart. But, I think, I'm a good person. And I would never realize  if God didn't help me see some inspirational words from women. Well, actually the best inspirational woman in my life is my mom. But, I think it won't be enough on this page to explain how she has changed my life.
These are some women who inspired me... (I hope I can be a woman like them)

# R.A Kartini
          Kartini has inspired me to be an independent and an educated woman. Kartini, (April 21, 1879–September 17, 1904), was a prominent Javanese and an Indonesian national heroine. Kartini is known as a pioneer in the area of women's rights for native Indonesians.She was born into an aristocratic Javanese family in a time when Java was still part of the Dutch colony, the Dutch East Indies. Kartini's father, Raden Mas Sosroningrat, became Regency Chief of Jepara, and her mother was Raden Mas' first wife, but not the most important one. At this time, polygamy was a common practice among the nobility.
          Kartini's family allowed her to attend school until she was 12 years old. Here, among other subjects, she learnt to speak fluent Dutch, an unusual accomplishment for Javanese women at the time. After she turned 12 she was 'secluded' at home, a common practice among Javanese nobility, to prepare young girls for their marriage. During seclusion girls were was not allowed to leave their parents' house until they were married, at which point authority over them was transferred to their husbands. Kartini's father was more lenient than some during his daughter's seclusion, giving her such privileges as embroidery lessons and occasional appearances in public for special events.
          During her seclusion, Kartini continued to educate herself on her own. Because Kartini could speak Dutch, she acquired several Dutch pen friends. One of them, a girl by the name of Rosa Abendanon, became her very close friend. Books, newspapers and European magazines fed Kartini's interest in European feminist thinking, and fostered the desire to improve the conditions of indigenous women, who at that time had a very low social status.
          Kartini's parents arranged her marriage to Raden Adipati Joyodiningrat, the Regency Chief of Rembang, who already had three wives. She was married on the 12 November 1903. This was against Kartini's wishes, but she acquiesced to appease her ailing father. Her husband understood Kartini's aims and allowed her to establish a school for women in the east porch of the Rembang Regency Office complex. Kartini's only son was born on September 13, 1904. A few days later on September 17, 1904, Kartini died at the age of 25. She was buried in Bulu Village, Rembang.

"Kata "Aku tiada dapat!" melenyapkan rasa berani. Kata "aku mau!" membuat kita mudah mendaki puncak gunung." - R.A Kartini

"Adakah yang lebih hina, daripada bergantung kepada orang lain!" - R.A Kartini

"Teruslah bermimpi, teruslah bermimpi, bermimpilah selama engkau dapat bermimpi! Bila tiada bermimpi, apakah jadinya hidup! Kehidupan yang sebenarnya kejam" - R.A Kartini

"Lebih banyak kita maklum, lebih kurang rasa dendam dalam hati kita, semakin adil pertimbangan kita dan semakin kokoh dasar rasa kasih sayang. ....... tiada mendendam, itulah bahagia." - R.A Kartini

# Oprah Winfrey
          Oprah has opened my mind that success can be achieved with a hard work, bravery, and confidence.

          Oprah Gail Winfrey is a producer, publisher, book critic, actress, and international celebrity. She is popular with her talk show named 'The Oprah Winfrey Show'. Oprah was born on January 29, 1954 on the family farm in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Her dad, Vermon Winfrey, who was stationed as a solider at a local base; and her mother, Vernita Lee, were both young at the time of Oprah's birth. Her parents never married. Shortly after she was born her mother found a job, as a maid, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Oprah was left in the care of her grandmother, Hattie Mae Lee.

           As a child Oprah never wasted a minute of her young imaginative mind on something that seemed to be boring. Through her early years her only friends were the farm animals. She gave them parts in the plays she made and included them in games.

           Oprah enjoyed bringing her recitals to life. Once she was asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, and she answered without hesitation, "I want to be paid to talk." At home Oprah was forbidden to talk around adults. Oprah found it hard to understand this, because everyone wanted to hear her talk. She was so talkative and lively all the time. When she disobeyed, Oprah would be whipped. Oprah remembers that she'd whip her dolls the same way her grandmother whipped her.

           Hattie Mae read to Oprah and taught her how to recognize letters and sounds. At three Oprah could read. She also learned how to write. On the first day of kindergarten she wrote, "Dear Miss New, I do not think I belong her." She was moved to the first grade, and at the end of the year she was skipped to the third grade.

           At age six Oprah was sent to live with her mother in Milwaukee. They lived in one room of another woman's house. Her mother worked long, tiring hours and Oprah was left with her cousins, and neighbors. At night Oprah's mother was too tired to pay attention to her. Oprah didn't understand this. It was then that she began to disobey and talk back to her mother. Her mother knew Oprah was unhappy, and she was sent to live with her father in Nashville, Tennessee. Her father was now married to Zelma, Oprah's stepmother.

Oprah knew that she had to obey her father and stepmother. While living in Nashville Oprah was forced to do pages of addition and subtraction questions each day. One day, Oprah's mother called and told her that she was pregnant. She wanted Oprah to come back and live with her in a house, not a room. So Oprah went back to live with her mother in Milwaukee.

           In Milwaukee Oprah lived with her mother and half sister. While Oprah's mother worked long, hard hours, Oprah entertained her little sister. Two years later her mother had a baby boy. Oprah had a stepbrother. It was then that Oprah was saddened, she felt that her mother didn't give her as much attention as the other children. Oprah fought with her stepbrother and sister. She began telling lies to get what she wanted. It didn't work though. This was when Oprah began to attempt running away. Oprah thought that things could never get worse.

           When Oprah was nine, a nineteen year old male cousin, who was babysitting her, took advantage of her by sexually abusing her. Oprah was terrified and never told a sole. He took her to the zoo, and gave her ice cream so that she'd swear to silence. From then until the day that Oprah left Milwaukee she was raped by her cousin, a family friend, her mom's live in boyfriend, and a once favorite uncle. All four told her that if she ever told, they'd both be in a lot of trouble. Oprah became more of a problem, and her mother didn't know what to do with her anymore. At fourteen her mother looked into sending her to a girls home, but all the beds were full. Then her father called, and it was decided that she'd go back to Nashville.

           The last year of high school brought a lot of fulfillment to Oprah, she went to Hollywood where she saw production studios. When her drama class was rehearsing, a local radio station, WVOL, asked her if she'd like to read on the radio. They gave her a job reading the news. Oprah entered a public speaking contest that had a scholarship to Tennessee State University as a grand prize. She won the scholarship and started taking a degree in Speech Communications and Performing Arts. That year she worked at the radio station and studied at night. Despite all of this she entered the Miss Black Tennessee contest, and, once again, she surprised herself by winning.

           At age nineteen Oprah finally accepted the job and went to the interview pretending that she was Barbara Walters. Oprah worked late into the night studying for college. She carried out her work on television pretending that she was Barbara Walters until one day she just started to laugh in the middle of the broadcast. Her boss was not impressed.

           In 1981 Oprah sent "People Are Talking" tapes to a talk show in Chicago called "A.M. Chicago." They immediately offered her the job, and in September of 1985 they changed the name of the show to "The Oprah Winfrey Show." On September 8, 1986 the show was broadcasted nationally. In June of 1987 "The Oprah Winfrey Show" won three Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Direction, Outstanding Host, and Outstanding Talk/Service Program. The following year the show won a Daytime Emmy award for Outstanding Talk/Service Program. In 1988 Oprah received the International Radio and Television Society's "Broadcaster of the Year" Award. She is the youngest person and fifth woman to ever receive this award.

           Oprah was the first person to run her own show and own her own production company. When Oprah's manager/partner/lawyer told her, "You know, you could own your own show" she thought he was crazy. Oprah didn't think that it was possible, and she told him to, "dream on." Oprah bought HARPO productions because she wanted more control over herself, and her lifestyle.

           Oprah remembers standing on her grandmother's porch and thinking, not out of hatred, "My life won't be like this. My life won't be like this, it will be better." Oprah recalls her father being very strict, but today she loves him for it. She says he was a big influence in her life. He always wanted Oprah to make the best of her life, and he wouldn't accept anything less than her best.

           Oprah knows that as long as she is making a difference in people's lives she will continue with her show. She started out as a determined little girl who made her dreams come true. Oprah has become a financially successful woman. She has touched many people's lives; she's laughed and cried with them. Today she mentors millions of people worldwide. Her dreams came true because she took a risk, by leaving school and taking a job as a news reporter in Chicago.

"My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." -- Oprah Winfrey

"Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure." -- Oprah Winfrey

"The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams." -- Oprah Winfrey 

# Anne Frank
        Anne is a girl who has encouraged me to write. Yeah, I like writing, especially on my green diary.

          Anne Frank was a Jewish girl, born June 12, 1929, and lived through the time that Hitler was ruling Germany. Her family escaped to the Netherlands, to start a new life where they could do what they wanted. She had a father, mother, and a sister that was three years older than her. She was in the Netherlands at the time she celebrated her 13th birthday. On that day she received the best present anyone could give her...a diary.

          Anne had dreams of becoming a writer, and was delighted with her gift. Instead of writing "Dear Diary", like anyone else would, she named her diary. She wrote to Kitty...as she called her diary.

On the first page of her diary she wrote this: 

I hope I shall be able to confide in you completely, as I have never been able to do in anyone before, and I hope that you will be a great support and comfort to me.

Anne Frank

          She continued writing in her diary two days later. She wrote in it for over two years. That diary became one of the most published books ever, and had been translated into over 60 different languages.

Anne had many friends in the Netherlands, and she played with them every day. Her friends and she played pranks on other residents, like pouring water on their head from a building above.

          Then Hitler and the Nazis invaded and took over the Netherlands. The Jews had to wear a special star, so everyone could see who they were, and they had new rules to live by. They weren't allowed to do much of anything that they used to be able to. They even had a curfew. The Frank family continued on with their lives until Margot was ordered to go to a concentration camp. The family went into hiding in the attic above Otto Frank's office. They had friends bring them food and keep them hidden. The only people who knew about the hiding place were Victor Kugler, Johannes Kleiman, Miep Gies, and Bep Voskuijl. They didn't want anyone to find them, so they had to keep extra quiet. They shared the attic also, so it was very crowded. Anne mostly wrote in her diary. They had to keep the windows blacked out; their only sunlight was a skylight that Anne would spend hours looking out of. She hated being trapped in that small space. On September 28, 1942 she wrote: I can't tell you how oppressive it is never to be able to go outdoors, also I am very afraid that we will be discovered and shot. Anne spent a lot of time with Peter Van Pel, a boy that was in hiding with her. They became very close. The last entry Anne wrote in her diary was on August, 1, 1944. Three days after this was written, the German police found their hiding place, and they were taken to concentration camps. The diary was left behind. Margot and she were forced to work horrible jobs, such as smashing batteries. The acid burned her fingers. About one month before the Jews were freed Anne died of typhus. Margot die.

"Whoever is happy will make others happy, too." - Anne Frank

"Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don't know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!" -  Anne Frank

"I don't think of all the misery, but of all the beauty that still remains." -  Anne Frank