Free Spirit.

I'm moving on

2009-05-31T20:33:00.000-07:00

Free Spirit.

I am moving on to wordpress because i'm annoyed at blogger's functinality inflexibility of posting to an ftp site (like nomadlife.org).

And if I were to switch off from nomadlife, it should be to a nicer system.

Follow me here: fheyder.wordpress.com

100 Ways To Motivate Yourself

2009-05-18T04:12:00.000-07:00

Amazon.com: 100 Ways To Motivate Yourself: Change Your Life Forever: Steve Chandler: Books

In a standard 4 types of personality test, I am the influencer.
In the quirky dove-owl-peacock-eagle personality test, I am the peacock.
In the super complicated 9 types Enneagram test (my favorite), I am type 7: the Enthusiast.

What do they mean? Pretty much that I am a creative, outgoing, happy person. I also happen to be very inconsistent, having outbursts of i-want-it-this-instant things. Always starting, never finishing. (Well not always, but I that's my normal operating tendency that I will fall back to if I am not performing at my best)

It's true. I am that person. I have accepted it. So in my day to day living, I have to constantly struggle to identify these bad traits when they come up.

The conversation in my head will be something like this:

"Man I hate mondays, let's see what's on facebook"
"Warning!!"
"Just five minutes"
"five minutes is up!"
"But I have to see what my friend wrote, friendship is beyond work"
"it's been 10 minutes"
"Already 10? Well then another minute wouldn't hurt"
"It's been 30 minutes, I feel guilty"
"Hey... ads on glass blowing course, that sounds cool"
"No I don't need a glass blowing course"
"Maybe not, but live life without regrets rite?? What if I regret this later"

On times where my dark side is winning, I like to pull out one of my favorite book out of the drawer. 100 Ways To Motivate Yourself by Steve Chandler. It does what it says, giving many many tips to jolt myself back to motivation and back to my original task. (This is of course assuming that your original task had some kind of meaning for you, if it doesn't then maybe you need a bigger help!!)

Personally, I like to pick a random page whenever I open Steve's book. So I don't know if I've read them all, but even the old ones are still a good straight-to-the-point advice I could always rely on.

Some samples that have helped me overcome a snag during a dry day:

No. 23 - Kill your televison - Self explanatory and can also be applied to facebook

No. 5 - Push all your own buttons - Making note of simple things that lift you up like a great song and using all those to repeat the feeling when you are down.

No. 99 - Laugh with no reason - Hahaha my favorite tip.

No 38 - Learn to come from behind - Accepting the fact that the natural rhythm of things are sometimes about 1 step up and 2 step down. That's not a problem, just put in sometime to recharge and do it again.

And many others...

Usually after pondering one of Steve's tips which may or may not include a simple exercise, my heads all cleared up and things look better. I find my thoughts going back to:

"Monday's aren't so bad after all"
"You sure??"
"Yeah... let's do this one tiny step at a time. No biggie"

Very cool

2009-05-04T19:38:00.000-07:00

Using facebook status updates to write a story. Quite a good detail packed into 160 characters snapshots. hands up for dodysm!

dodysm: "Saturday, May 02, 2009
No Title Yet Part 1 - Murder of a Chechen Rebel
This is a snapshot of a fictional story written daily on my Facebook status, 160 characters at a time - two or three status updates a day. Each paragraph constitutes one Facebook status update. It is still ongoing and it is written without edit.

'Any last wish Yamadayev ?' The bound man on the floor looked up with his red swollen eyes, angry and resigned. He started to speak when the trigger was pulled. Job #151 was completed. Dubai, March 30, 2009."

I'm a convert

2008-02-04T15:45:00.000-08:00

Recently switched from "7 Habits" to "Getting Things Done".

7 Habits puts a lot of emphasis on saying no to small things and delegating them. After a few years I finally realized why it wasn't working for me, I don't have any power to say no to my boss nor do I have anyone to delegate to! The only person who is under me is the cleaning auntie, and even she has more powers than me!!! ("Auntie, I want green tea" "Mei You!!" sob sob!!)

The whole premise of Getting Things Done by David Allen is that until your mind knows that you will do a certain task (by writing it down in a trusted list) it will continually remind you randomly thus making your thoughts muddy. It also reminds you about the million scenarios attached to that task, making you overwhelmed and tempting you to forget about it all together. But your mind is also smart enough to prioritize things so you don't need to keep much than lists of "To Dos". Best thing is, you don't have to purchase any super expensive custom tailored organizer... in fact David Allen himself mentioned that he is very happy with his standard issued palm organizer.

Really really, I think this is the best for overly worked analyst (office low lives) with minimal budget for fancy organizers!

ps: Obviously I am only mentioning basic premises on which GTD is best. The book has lots of good handy tips and it has been drafted into my permanent best-books section on my shelf.

RDA Singapore

2008-02-03T06:54:00.000-08:00

I don't have that many goals in life, it's bad, i know. But one thing I've always wanted was my own horse. Of course, I can't afford one yet... so I looked for ways to be around them for free.

That's how I got myself into volunteering at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) every Saturday afternoon 3:45pm. The RDA provides free, therapeutic horse riding lessons to children and adults with disabilities.

Every week, I volunteer as a side walker for their beginners class. There are about 6 children in one class with 6 horses, 3 instructors, 6 leaders and 6-12 sidewalkers. The Instructor plans the lessons, the Leaders are responsible for the horses and the Sidewalkers communicates basic instruction to the riders. Each rider has a special condition. My rider, Ashwin, is Autistic.

Ashwin has a hard time concentrating and is frequently pre-occupied with his own thought. But slowly, through his RDA lessons, he learns to concentrate better with voice commands. On some days it's hard to get through to him, but on some days (like yesterday) he's such an angel that you wouldn't think there is anything wrong with him. Oh and he also likes to see himself in mirror which is always cute to watch.

To be honest, I volunteered because I can be around horses. But those little kids' smiles are fast becoming my Saturday afternoon miracles.

2008-02-02T19:14:00.001-08:00

2008-02-02T18:57:00.001-08:00

Travel travel travel

2007-06-28T05:53:00.000-07:00

8-14 July - Japan (Tokyo - Kyoto - Osaka)
21-29 July - Hong Kong
9 - 19 August - London

All using SQ... my my, fancy me...
weeheee...

Changing my job role was a good decision!

Dangerous thing to let your mind wander

2007-06-13T02:40:00.001-07:00

Especially at work!

*mail from Daniel X came
me : taking a look at Dan's male
boss : was that a freudian slip? ;)

crap.
God i wish there is an erase button on IMs!

Today..

2007-06-13T00:23:00.001-07:00

Is just one of those days... &$!"&€@

Most difficult language is Ithkuil

2007-05-28T03:31:00.000-07:00

I came to know that "Hungarian" is Nomads' standard answer for the question "What is the most difficult language in the world". With 35 cases of word construction, I don't want to argue (or learn it).

But I do like to be different. So. presenting... Ithkuil.

Albeit an artificial language invented by a linguist, it is by far the most complicated and efficient language ever developed. It is so complicated, however, that no one including the founder actually knows everything about it. As far as we know, all sentences become much much shorter when translated to Ithikuil

Example:
--------
Ithikuil: Oumpeá äx’ääļuktëx.
English: On the contrary, I think it may turn out that this rugged mountain range trails off at some point.

*I am in a "I hate Mondays" mood. Hence the completely useless post*

I've borrowed a book: "Draw from the right side of the brain"

2007-05-11T02:44:00.001-07:00

Since drawing courses range from 280-1000 for simple 8-10 weeks of sketching lessons, I have taken the cheap way out! by a book. Borrowed not bought!

It’s called “Drawing from the Right Side of the brain”. Or womthing like that. Supposed to be good… we’ll see. I’ve finished chapters 3-4. Will post my drawings later.

My roomate took drawing classes before, so she has been giving me tips.

Roomie: “Get a bigger paper, so you can shade better”
Me: “Nah… i’ll stick to this new sketch book i bought”

See more progress on: learn to draw

5.6K... 50:44

2007-05-03T19:35:00.001-07:00

My roomie’s sms: “Not bad for a girl on drugs”

I say not bad at all. If it weren’t for the drugs (I took some painkillers because of a nasty headache) I might not have finished!

Official time is 50:44, but clearing 11,000 people of the finish line took a few minutes definitely!

But nevermind, I’ve finished my goal to run non stop! Funilly, when I did stop at the finish line, my stomach caught up and I had that nausea feeling. Hehehehe

See more progress on: get in shape

Wed Fri

2007-04-26T19:02:00.001-07:00

Did some more…
20 minutes continuous hitting 2.2 K with 172 HR :(
I’m worried because of two things:
1) I’m slow!!!
2) My HR is really not looking healthy.

I am thinking of taking on the 5.3K milkrun (i think) on 1st of July. but this time I am starting out my training program based on HR. I don’t want to run fast once, I want to build up my endurance and cardio.

See more progress on: get in shape

I'm a lazy bum, I know!

2007-04-22T19:22:00.001-07:00

I did one last thursday and that was it… :(
I did one this Monday.
It’s 2 weeks till the actual 5.6K…. I think I may have to start running every day now.
Still up to 20min + 10min…. And I found out to my dismay that I am slow (stupid short asian legs) about 7 km/hour i think? So would take me around 40 minutes to complete it with my pace….. Oh well, here goes nothing

See more progress on: get in shape

Certified Open Water Diver, baby!

2007-04-22T19:19:00.001-07:00

I’m done I’m done.
Did my exam on saturday and my temporary diver card until my real one arrives in mail! :D
4 Years of waiting and finally i can cross it off my list!

See more progress on: learn to SCUBA dive

Tioman weekend dive

2007-04-15T17:21:00.001-07:00

Open water dive training 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5!
It was unbeliavable… The first two I was a little miserable because I wasn’t used to equalizing and the right ear was painful. But onwards it was easy! Down blow down blow down blow.

Things I saw: Turtles, Stingrays, Squids, Car wreck, Cute divers in tights lol. And the feeling of flying is great. Summersaults, dancing under water. Hmmmm….

The only thing left: 1) Do my exam 2) Get my card.

I would definitely do this more often and maybe get myself an Advanced Open Water? Hmmm….

See more progress on: learn to SCUBA dive

Paid! (ka-ching)

2007-04-11T07:16:00.001-07:00

I am much poorer this week.
Why? caused i Finally put down that money for this weekend’s dive. Yay!
It will be to Tioman island, about 3-4 hours drive from Singapore into Malaysia. Can’t wait can’t wait.

There’s gonna be a total of 12 people on the trip. As my dive instructor said “Wicked wicked”

See more progress on: learn to SCUBA dive

Wednesday 11 Apr 2007

2007-04-11T07:13:00.001-07:00

Should have been yesterday but it was pouring!

I think today’s session was hard.
Lots of things going on at work so without realizing i went faster and faster and pushing myself harder. 15 minutes and i’m out of breath. so i went 15 – 5 – 10.

Sometimes it’s just nice to sweat all your exercise out. Yes ladies and gentlemen, i am beginning to see why some people find this theurapeutic. Just you, your shadow, the music and that lone road. Hmmmm…..

See more progress on: get in shape

Sunday

2007-04-08T03:55:00.001-07:00

20 minute stretch (check)
one week plan (check)

*pat pat pat on the back

See more progress on: get in shape

Thursday & Saturday

2007-04-07T18:15:00.001-07:00

Thursday, another 3×10 minutes. Average heart rate 168
Saturday, yoga to stretch out the kinks… whoever said yoga is not a sport should try it out themselves. It’s hard!

See more progress on: get in shape

Nope, nothing yet

2007-04-03T18:29:00.001-07:00

Just checked NAFA’s courses commencing april and may.
Nothing to commit yet

See more progress on: learn to draw

New Year's Day 2007

2007-03-15T06:47:00.000-07:00

Learning to surf at melbourne :)

Nervous restless

2006-12-03T15:51:00.001-08:00

What do you do when you have a million unfinished business...

I woke up and realized I haven't done a single useful thing this past weekend.
And my agenda is chalked full of stuff that has been there since a month.

Deadlines are pushing and my heart can't seem to stop racing.
Tick tock tick tock, yet i'm still here writing a blog.

It's one of those days where I'm very dissapointed with myself.
Vini, Vidi, never the Vici.

Too much efficiency

2006-10-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

I have a dear friend who is well known for his efficiency, both at work and at home. Pretty busy guy, working in a top consulting firm getting 5/5 star ranking on his assessments and holding 3 simultaneous projects aside from studying gmat for his MBA. Obviously someone with loads of stuff on his hands.

Today I called him and he was still at work.
Usually very talkative, he surprised me with a heavy and tired voice.

Me: Is everything OK?
Him: It's just been busy at the office, can I call you back later

(I wasn't ready to hang up yet as I was waiting for the train and feeling pretty lonely)

Me: What's wrong, you sound tired?

Him: I'm just really tired of other people not doing their job. I end up having to help them even though I finished my work. And I still have 2 projects to do! Sometimes I think it's easier being the one asking for help.

Him: Also my boss asked to speak to me today. He ask me not to be too efficient. He said that this caused the client to ask why is do they need many people in their project and may rethink about hiring us again next year.

How ironic... and there I was, holding my "7th habit of highly effective people" copy...

So there is such things as too much efficiency

Too much efficiency is not good

2006-10-05T16:50:00.000-07:00

I have a dear friend who is well known for his efficiency, both at work and at home. Pretty busy guy, working in a top consulting firm getting 5/5 star ranking on his assessment and holding 3 simultaneous projects aside from studying gmat for his MBA.

Today I called him and he was still at work.
Usually pretty talkative person, he surprised me with a heavy and tired voice.

Me: Is everything OK?
Him: It's just been busy at the office, can I call you back later

(I wasn't ready to hang up yet as I was waiting for the train and feeling pretty lonely)

Me: What's wrong, you sound tired?
Him: I'm just really tired of other people not doing their job. I end up having to help them even though I finished mine. And I still have 2 projects to do! Sometimes I think it's easier being the one asking for help.
Me: Oh really?
Him: Also my boss asked to speak to me today. He ask me not to be too efficient. He said that this cause the client to ask why is do they need many people in their project and may rethink about hiring us again tomorrow.

How ironic... and there I was, holding my "7th habit of highly effective people" copy...

China 2006

2006-09-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

Went to China early Sept...
Shanghai, Putuoshan and Beijing.

The worst thing about China? ... i lost my camera

The best thing about China? ... an Estonian

What Yucatan lack (river), it more that makes up in Cenotes!

2006-07-10T10:03:00.000-07:00

And finally a toast to the Cenotes of the Yucatan!!! Oh man the cool nice clear water after a whole day in the blaring sun is undescribable! Mother nature has the best swimming pools I've ever seen.

The Gran Cenote... This is just the entrance, a HUGE underwater Cave system is available for more adventurous Divers. There's a boardwalk and a small bar on the other side. Nothing like salsa on the side eh?

I actually forgot the name, but this is the first Cenote we visited off Piste.
As all cenotes, this is very very deep. Fishes are small and blind.
There's nothing like jumping the ledge of this cenote. Gives you that rush!
The picture doesn't quite do justice. On the other side, there is a tall wall full of vegetation, dropping about 15 meters.

Cenote Xkeken. Description from Frommers "Water so blue, it comes from a dream". Apparently frommers forgot to mention the blue appears during noon time, when the sun is directly above the hole.

Oh well, I did see a huge body of water so freakin blue, it came out of a painting.

Ladies and Gentlemen.... presenting.... the Caribbean sea!

Tulum, an ancient city by the carribean seas

2006-07-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

Oh btw, the Mayans actually decorate their buildings in vibrant colors (which has faded away with time). Tulum was painted red. Would you want to live there?

Nothing beats a game of peekaboo amongst the warrior hall pillars.

2006-07-10T09:48:00.000-07:00

Soccer is for the weak!

2006-07-10T09:45:00.000-07:00

This is how the Mayan played it. You see that hoop there? You have to throw the ball through it, not with your hands or feet but with your hips, chest, and forearms. A solid rubber ball. An almost impossibly high hoop. Imagine that.

By the way, the loser gets sacrificed. This is a game, where sudden death means sudden death!

Chicen-Itza, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

2006-07-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

One of the last truly great cities of the Mayan. Isn't it amazing? This is the picture of the great pyramid. Too bad climbing is no longer permitted.

You can see the partially restored part on the left and fully restored on the right.

Holi Moli this is So Cool

2006-03-20T21:27:00.000-08:00

It's Holi!!!

Me. Made. Labake. Tisa.

Paints. Good times. Fun times.

Enough said.

I'm soooo going again next year.

Wo bu yao

2006-03-17T01:11:00.000-08:00

I discovered a new drink today

Colleague 1 (Indian) : Farida, we're getting coffee, you want anything?
Me (Indonesian) : Bu yao..*
Colleague 2 (Sri Lankan): Ok, I know what she means
.
.
.
.
10 minutes later...

Colleague 1: Here's your drink
Me: Huh?? what is it???
Colleague 2: Bu yao
Me: erm....

LOL.
If you're curious, my "bu yao" is tea.
Lesson learnt: Don't assume everyone in singapore knows chinese.

*bu yao = don't want

a piece of my life back.

2006-03-09T20:52:00.000-08:00

I'm happy :)
I found my old blog. It's me and my life in canada.
I'll put it permanently as a link

http://archive.aiesec.ws/fida.aiesec.ws/

*grin*

Can your culture prevent you from dancing?

2006-03-09T02:09:00.000-08:00

I mean dancing other cultures' dances..

So, I was helping out Labake do a small african presentation for a group of kids. She wanted to teach them small dances. Fair enough.

She tells us...
1. African dances are heavily influenced by the beats of the drums.
...cool... although I was slightly confused by the beats she did. They are more complex than most of the Indonesian beats.

2. African dances uses their hipps & butts alot.
...cool... I am going to be a great african dancer!!

3. African dances are also used to tell stories.
...cool... I like stories... :)

4. African dances by maidens are used to attract the guys..
...cool... that's fair.

5. African dances are free flowing movements. When you feel the rhytm, you dance to the beat.
...hmm... you mean there's no, like, synchronized steps???? How do you know if you're doing the right thing????... ok fine, I'll just think I'm in a hip hop club....

5. African dances uses traditional costumes. Some traditional costumes include a string of beads and chalk patterns on their boddies.
...hmm.............
But don't worry, since the white men came, we use a wrappers.
...cool... that's better...

6. The good african dancers attract guys attention. African men will undress you with his eyes. But to african women, it's a natural thing, you just dance more to lure him...
...hmm.......... now seriously, how can you dance well when you know that you are naked in front of a strange man's eyes!!!!!!!

And i lost all my rythms and movements that very instant.

Where I come from, when you are naked in front of a strange guy (or girl!), you better not be dancing, you be getting that wrapper on girl!!

hehehe... the little differences in lifes all around the world.

To illustrate my point, here is one of the more well known type of culture in Indonesia. The Balinese.

Now, do you call this free flowing movement??? No siiree, those arms better be like that the entire time.

"I'll be working tonight, honey"

2006-03-03T01:49:00.000-08:00

It's funny how we hear those words when we were kids. Not often in my family, but once in a while. I always had a picture in my head of my mom/dad working on her/his desk while everyone has gone home. Such a solemn picture of them trying to provide for their family.

Now I work late too (sometimes...) and so do my colleagues.

But yesterday we went out. We ate, we went to a bar for drinks, we played stupid drinking games and told stupid jokes and laughed a little bit too much (I was drinking tea though..) . Then I looked around. What do you think they would have told their children?

I could almost hear it.
"I'll be working tonight, honey..."

I smiled. Thinking of the times my mom and dad went out for drinks. Just taking a breather and have some fun on their own. Acting not as parents but as friends. Now I'm doing that (granted I don't have kids).

It was then, in the middle of eski bar surrounded by my colleagues (who were all high) that it hit me.

I'm a working adult.

Funny how I never realized it.

Nomenclature

2006-03-03T01:47:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer. The below is a posting by Dody G (dodyg.org).
I put it here because I agree with every single word.

nomenclature
____________
I think we should drop the usage of 'moderate Muslims'. We don't use the word 'moderate Christians' or 'moderate Hindus' in common usage to describe believers of other religion in contrasting the mainstream with their extremist factions.

A community of believer is like family. In every family, you have one or two crazy uncles/aunt that totally out of whacked and different from the rest of your family and embarras you in the family Christmas dinner. You call them crazy uncle Joe's or maniac Jane but you dont' call the rest of your family as "moderate Smith".

Use simply the word Muslim for the majority, with their virtues and faults, and probably 'wackos' to describe the little crazy fuckers segment of their community.

Fashion.

2006-02-09T18:42:00.000-08:00

I work in a very big company that has branches everywhere in the world including Indonesia (Jakarta). Being curious and definitely proud of my home town, I looked around for information I can find related to the Jakarta office.

So I noticed, they have a Jakarta Security Bulletin that is sent from the security control room for Asia Pacific. I subscribed to it and now I receive this bulletin almost daily. There's only 2 parts of the bulleting, one in indonesian language the other in english. Tells the same thing basically, with the heading:
IT IS INDICATED THAT THE FOLLOWING PROTESTS MAY TAKE PLACE IN JAKARTA TODAY.

Three things came into my mind:
1. How do these guys know about them? Do they hire spies, informants??
2. So security threats in Jakarta means protests. It may have been a few years ago, but it's getting more and more pointless
Which leads me to
3. Is it in fashion to have a protests?? I can imagine a sly underground protests-makes-us-healthy committee president giving a speech:

"Fellow protesters, for the benefit of the millions of people in traffic jam let us continue our effort to provide free entertainment by wearing obnoxious colored flags and sing our very bests poetry into the megaphone. It does not matter if there's only 10, 20 people of us. Our commitment is to provide the public a voice and a touch of entertainment, every week, 5 days a week. And on certain days, with rotation!! So off you go, today's fellow protesters, this is your flag. Pardon the quality, we had to redo the materials from yesterday's event. But we have customized all we can from Ban FHM to Ban imported rice!. Good day, good luck and don't forget to enjoy yourselves"

A passing notes on airports

2006-01-31T04:22:00.000-08:00

I used to think airports are among the coolest thing ever.
The really cool travellator (what an ingenious concept of a walking walk way!). The duty free shops full of wanna-haves but useless items. The excitement of seeing the ground staff going about their ways. The thrills of seeing the aircraft arriving at the gate and bustle underneath it. The smiling stewardess.

But now I find there is something cold about it. The useless shops and useless items that I'll never buy that seems pricier even with Duty Free tags. The waiting of the ground staff to finish clearing me, the waiting of the aircraft and the more waiting on the boarding lounge. The cramped seat on board, the super tiny space and table. The stewardess looking sweetly robotic. The pain of knowing I have hours to kill on board just to see that special someone. And the agony knowing that on top of the heartache when we part, I have to endure the same painfully repetitive sequence.

Oh how I wish it was only a one way.

The best new year's holiday ever!

2006-01-11T20:59:00.000-08:00

Just a recap of what I did during my 2 weeks holiday end of the year!

* 3 Day Kayaking Expedition to Andaman Islands, Phuket, Thailand
Simply the most amazing scenery I've seen yet... Hundreds of uninhabited, natural, limestone island. When the tide is low, you can paddle inside the naturally built sea caves to emerge in a pristine, untouched lagoon in the middle of the island. Amazing what nature is capable of. You just need to make sure that you're there with the right guides and not with a million other tourists. I personally recommend the John Gray's Sea-Canoe company! Higher up north, you can kayak your way across deep - narrow island straits (I feel like I'm in middle earth, going through those big water gates) and into mangrove forests. One of the best experience you'll find in Asia!!!

* Swiming on the jet black volcanic island of Anak Krakatau.
The Krakatau island, famous for being the largest ever recorded volcanic erruption in modern times (1883) blew itself apart to only 1/3rd of the original size. In 1927, it spawned a child, the Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatau). Rising from the sea at a rate of 2-5m/year, the volcanic island Anak Krakatau is still active with fumes rising from the crater. Every few years, Anak Krakatau erupts, shaping a dramatic landsacpe of the island and even moving the crater from hill to hill.

On one side of the island, you see pristine BLACK beach with pine vegetation. The black volcanic sand is heavy enough to stay put, making the waters VERY clear indeed. If one follows the small trails, one will see the bald black hills and a glimpse of the tallest hill with a fuming crater. If you take a boat around the island, you will see a completely different view: The view of a dead land and an obvious dead lava spill trailing to the ocean.

Tip: Landing on the AnakKrakatau is actually prohibited due to the nature of its activity, yet some brave small companies do provide the trip for a fee. They are nice enough to warn you not to go beyond a certain point.

* Snorkeling a beautiful coral reef
Although perhaps it does not rival the Bunaken underwater sea garden or other world reknown diving spot in Sulawesi, a short snorkeling trip off some uninhabited island near Anak Krakatau was good enough for me! Tip when you go snorkling: Bring an underwater camera and food for the fishes (bananas are good and cheap!)

Sounds interesting eh?
I plan to have more of these adventures next year... Let me know if that's your thing too! :D

Fida

What's new with me?

2005-11-15T06:42:00.000-08:00

This is new.... my next unfinished business

Please support me supporting them!

Wishing you a good Ramadhan

2005-10-04T14:53:00.001-07:00

Minal Aidin Wal Faidzin. Mohon Maaf Lahir Batin.

Please forgive me for my past mistakes, the ones I am aware of and the ones I am not as I would gladly forgive yours. It is the month of Ramadhan, let us say bygones be bygones. May you have a peaceful Ramadan and a Glorious Eid Mubarak.

From my heart to you, with love and joy.

Lesson learnt hard

2005-09-28T05:32:00.000-07:00

1. I like longer hair compared to short hair
2. If I want to be very practical, I'll go for soft rebonding
3. A thick mane is unappreciated in this part of the world.
4. Neighborhood salon give really cheap rates. Because they don't use water (is it too precious in singapore?) and the hair stylist only spends 15 minutes with you (hmm... time is really precious isn't it?)
5. Big salon also spend only 15 minutes with you and give you water only if you asked.. Well, at least it's the same standard
6. Hair stylist that cannot speak english, should be an indication that something's fishy.
7. Chinese hair stylist (or those with naturally super straight hair) seem to have only 1 solution in facing a thick curly hair like mine: cut very short, proceed to thin until almost bald.

It's like the saying goes "never trust a skinny cook", I'll only trust a curly-haired stylist. Serves me right for not going to a hair stylist while I was still back home in Indonesia. Cheap cheap and the stylists have curly hair.

To be fair, I do look like a famous A-list movie star. But I don't think the cut fits me. Besides, don't you think Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon looks a tad too manish?

Now, where's my brown bag... let me cut 2 holes on it for my eyes.

A letter to my environment

2005-09-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

This is what I have sent out to all the names in my address book.
Unfortunately my address book is still recovering from a technology stupidity (in which I erased the entire list trying to synch from 3 gadgets!). So if this does not reach you (provided you are not a complete stranger to me) then this is for you.

BE WARNED, IT'S LONG! but important nonetheless

======================================================

Dear Family/Friends,

How are you? I’m doing great.

I am writing this email to bring you something very special. A Letter.

To cut a long story short, this letter is an assignment to a particularly eye-opening course I am attending at the moment. It is written as Passionately, Enthusiastically, Genuinely, Truthfully and Expressively as I can and it is intended as an open letter to my environment.

Now this may seem odd or silly to you, but it is very important to me. So thank you for letting me share this with you and I hope it will benefit you in some shape or form.

Hope you’re doing great too!

Cheers,

Fida

========================================

Hello environment. How are you? I’m doing fine.

Some of you whom I contact every day will ask what the heck I am sending you a letter for. Some of you whom I have not had the same pleasure of meeting frequently would probably have the same question. But all of you mean something to me and today I want to say hi to you and share with you some things that has been happening in my life. The last time any real news came out from me was probably when I was in school. If I have lost touch of you since then, please forgive me. I have no excuse. Please let me make it up to you by bringing you up to speed on what has been happening in my world.

Well a lot of things happened this year. By July, I have finished my final year project and then my final exam to graduate successfully with a degree in Computer Engineering. I wrapped up my term in AIESEC NTU LC, did my transitions to a very capable successor whom I have no doubt will outperform myself. And I have landed a job in a prestigious Investment Bank as an IT Analyst. The job is great, by the way. But the people I work with are even better. You see, everything is peachy.

But to this I have something to confess. And when I say this, please don’t think that I am ungrateful because the truth is I am very grateful. Yet I was very stressed out and upset with myself. Why? I could not answer. It was certainly not because of the good things that happened. I quickly put this down as a case of me not having a purpose in life and therefore not feeling the satisfaction that people *supposedly* achieve when they know they are doing something meaningful in life. I was under the impression that everything that had happened is life’s deck of cards. Just that I had a good streak. This dissatisfaction grew so strong that I know something must be done.

By another stroke of luck perhaps, I had gotten to know of a particular company called DifferWorld through their contribution to the AIESEC activities. They run a Transformational course called KNOWing that is based on every day principles that are immediately actionable. I went in to their introductory course and thought that this is a very comprehensive course given their 10 week lengths that include coaching sessions. I thought to myself, if there is any course I should go once in my life, it should at least be this comprehensive! This and the fact that they were taking their last batch of KNOWing sealed the deal (So don’t worry this is not a commercial for the course as you can see there is no more courses being run). I put literally every cent I have into this course as I decided the cost of me being stuck in the same loop was far much greater.

The course began by unraveling some of the basic principles and fundamentals of an every day life, or as our coach puts it, re-learning your ABCs. It went so basic as to question what is listening and how do we listen. It then gradually progressed to commitment, collaboration, involvement and other little things so simple yet complex to understand. This was followed up by many applications and an intensive seven week coaching. But to my dismay it was not as easy as I imagined. The assignments we had to do were often hard and challenging. Often, if not always, I would go back home after midnight from the long sessions we had, feeling exhausted and drained. Let me put that again, emotionally exhausted and drained.

Throughout the course, I’ve been hit with realizations after realizations that I don’t think will fit in this email if I list them all out but I want to share a few ones that particularly hit me hard.

First, I thought I had a commitment, but I was playing a percentage game. It was not even half way through the course that I realized this. The very essence of the dissatisfaction I was feeling. I am an 80% person. I mostly go 80% of the way. Get mostly 80% of the things I want to achieve. In any case, isn’t “80” a good number compared to 50? 30? No one can say you did not do anything, no one can say you did badly. In fact, if everyone did 50, you were doing great!! No one, but yourself know where is your 100.

The truth is I often took the word commitment for granted, as I imagine other people too. I realize, not many people know commitment. Yet it is the simple act of doing it or not. Try is just an illusion, a concept to cushion the failure.

Inevitably, this is a confession that during some point in time when we were up to something. Good or bad  I was probably doing 80% of what I needed to do. If we are to do some things again in the future, may I ask that you remind me of this?

Second, I thought I was missing out on a mystery called the purpose of life. But what is a purpose of life? Even if the world wisest person tells you, would you believe him? If you spend most of your time convincing yourself you don’t have it, how can you trust what people tell you? In this lays the irony.

I spent many times wondering what my purpose in life is. But it is precisely in the act of questioning did the concept elude me. Simply embrace a purpose and you shall have a purpose! You see how simple life can be? I was just making a problem out of something that was not!

Third, I thought I was contribution. This has hit me particularly hard as I realized that there were many times I did not contribute to you on which I can and I should have. I apologized to this. I was for a big part of me selfish and ingenuine. I can grasp the concept of me winning and not that I think of people losing. But to think win win is something that was just not there, much less to contribute. Contribution, by the way, is not participation.

And participation alone is already hard; it needs commitment and presence: body, mind and soul. It is exhausting and it means opening oneself to the point of vulnerability. In my book, vulnerability meant a sign of weakness. But now I realize, it is a sign of great strength that we allow people to affect you and grow from it. Being invulnerable has done damage to my life. I intend to change that, I hope you can relate to this too. Again, I sincerely apologize for the past times where I was being selfish, ingenuine and not contributing.

Without realizing, 9 weeks has gone pass me. The last session is just around the corner. Up until this point I cannot say I am fully transformed. I cannot even say I know where I end up in life. But for now, the important thing is, I know roughly where I should go. I know I need to work on certain things. I know my strength and weakness and what I should look out for. And I know whatever that goal is, I cannot do it alone.

So after this, what am I up to?

Some of you would be glad to know I am starting to exercise again, at least twice a week. I’ve also recently picked up cycling. From what I hear there will be a charity ride going on in December which I will be joining. I will be most happy if anyone wants to join me on this effort.

I am also *apparently* on the AIESEC alumni committee. And I am currently accepting ideas and inputs on what should the committee be doing. A good input thus far is having our own charity corner inside the Alumni where people can come together to offer services for charity works. Nothing big, but if there’s anything I can see from AIESEC alumni is their realization of doing rather than watching. Again, if anyone wants to join me please do.

The last thing I want to point out is that I have started to cherish my moments with you, my friends better than ever. As much as I can I would like to have more interactions with friends with genuine dialogue. This is rather a challenge for me as I have gotten into the habit of protecting myself so much so that it takes me quite a long time before being comfortable with people. I need your assistance on this to tolerate me . By the way, now that I have started working and therefore having money, I would very much like to start traveling more, if you’re up for it. We don’t need much. A weekend away from the city is a godsend. Anyone?

Lastly, if you are still wondering, at this point, after going through the entire letter above, why the bleep am I writing to you? It’s because on some ways we are connected but I believe there is more that we can do together.

So, family, friends, loved ones, I hope that my letter may move you to the better, for your business, relationship and life. Or at the very least, I hope it lets you know that you are welcomed in my world.

When do you know you're an @er?

2005-09-07T00:46:00.000-07:00

When you need to recite something that makes you think about aiesec and you break down and cry.

This is what I recite: My vision is
"A world in which Business, Relationships, and Life play out optimally for Individuals, Teams, Environments and The World at Large. To be in a World of SUCCESS, POWER and MASTERY where People live Passionately, Enthusiastically, Genuinely, Truthfully and Expressively from Heart to Heart, in a manner that Inspires, Impacts, and Shifts people to Their and Your opportunities and possibilities and have it happen for all"

So much crap, so little to sum up "Fullfilment of humankind's potential". I hate crying. I hate crying in front of the people.

But damn it really hits me hard. The AIESEC way, the people, the passion. You gotta feel it to know, you know?

gals on bike, roadtrip!!!

2005-09-04T16:24:00.000-07:00

gals on bike, roadtrip!!!
Originally uploaded by fida heyder.

There's seven of us. Nur is taking this picture, she is the main picture taker! If you are a girl, in Singapore and interested in cycling... check out www.swct05.com ! Thanks for organizing Nur!

On a bike trip

2005-09-04T16:23:00.000-07:00

me and my other half
Originally uploaded by fida heyder.

Last saturday, I went for a long ride all the way to Johor and back.
Went with a bunch of fun girls.
Took our time sightseeing.. This one is taken in front of the istana (The Johor Sultan's palace).
Had a few makan stops and a rain stop!! But it was fun. Very fun =D

Obnoxiously Yellow!!!

2005-08-16T03:11:00.000-07:00

Obnoxiously Yellow!!!
Originally uploaded by fida heyder.

Behold my "somewhat" new road bike.

It's an ORBEA Aspin.
Full Campy Mirage.
Mavic cxp 22 rims.
(I'm not quite sure what I just typed, but what the heck)

The handle bars are no longer yellow though.
I changed to a smaller one that I can actually reach.
It's now black, which I think is cooler no matter what you think! hah

Dreaming of one day biking to thailand on this.
If I do enjoy biking, might want to upgrade to a Trek 1500 WSD at least... We'll see.

I still need spedometer, utility pockets, aid kit, head light, rear light..
Probably stripping off my dad's old bike when I go home next month.. muahahaha

EA farewell post

2005-08-16T03:02:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Triin!
Originally uploaded by fida heyder.

I know I know I haven't blogged in a long time Not that I have a large number of expecting visitors though hehehe. So much has appened.
Graduation, Work

But that's for some other day. For today, I am sad.

Our Estonian VPHR is embarking on her journey back home. Being the cool fun girl that she is, she has decided to get some adventurous while shes at itthat includes backpacking to Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, India.

I will certainly miss her. I can tell you, she has been the most hardworking person in our MC team. And amazingly, she has always been cheerful. I don't remember a single time of her being bad tempered. And if she did, man she put it across very gently.

She is also the perfect example of a successful exchange. 13 Months here and we have localized her. You'll know this when you hear the "Lahs" when speaking to her. Or the fact she has eaten everything asian from a full chilli, stinky tofu to cockroaches! And has successfully turned a handful of people into thinking Estonia is the most beautiful place on earth. Yours truly have already made up her mind to go there next year :p

I am tempted to say good bye, instead I'll say "See you later Triin!"

BTW, this is a late post!!! stupid technology and their lags

Two very powerful and yet simple piece

2005-08-04T04:28:00.000-07:00

I have recently started attending a course by differworld (check them out at www.differworld.com). And when we were there, I came across two piece of quotes I find very inspiring. And I'd like to share them with you... So
here goes...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITMENT
(from W. H. Murray in The Scottish Himalaya Expedition, 1951)

'But when I said that nothing had been done I erred in one important
matter. We had definitely committed ourselves and were halfway out of our ruts. We had put down our passage money--booked a sailing to Bombay.

This may sound too simple, but is great in consequence.

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, the providence moves too.

A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets:

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!'

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
BEING BIG
(Marianne Williamson and her book of A Return to Love.)

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." (from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles, Harper Collins, 1992. From Chapter 7, Section 3)

The famous passage from her book was used in a speech by Nelson Mandela and the "deepest fear" quote is often erroneously attributed to Mandela.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now these two sit on my desk, I hope it inspires you as much as it did to me.

--
Communicate your AIESEC Experience.
AIESEC.net mail is supported by www.pgcareers.com.

Wilderness rants

2005-06-26T10:26:00.000-07:00

I'm still currently on vacation to Palo Alto, CA, USA. That's about 1 hour south of San Francisco. At my uncle's place

It's been a little over a week since I got here but man I have done alot!
Biking
Hiking (multiple times)
Road Trips!!!
Needless to say my body is aching and screaming bloody murder.

Two major trips that I took were one road trip from San Fransisco to LA. Visited Monterey, Big Sur, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Malibu, Universal Studios, Hollywood pheww... Although the entire time my bf kept on going abt how he hates the L.A. traffic.

Big Sur was really fantastic. Sprawling mountains besides the ocean. Very dramatic scene that I will definitely miss.

Another trip was to Yosemite National Park. Spectacular views! Breathtaking panoramic experience. I'm not much of a gushy person who stares at every single mountain view or beautiful flowers. But omg how can one not feel awed by the Yosemite majestic splendor. The clifs, canyons, giant trees, inviting rivers.... Heaven I tell you!!!

True, my bf had to litterally drag or push me up the slopes (I guess It's really time for me to start doing something about my flabby fats) but I'm sure glad I took those painful steps. I think I'm fitter now... yes, I must be!

Some stupid things that happen typically of me.... I forgot my sport shoes and ended up having to buy a brand new Asics running shoes on the way. Brought my camera but forgot the battery :S:S:S... will need to get pictures from everyone else. And I lost my wallet!!! Argghhhhhh...... Good thing I am starting work next month, so at least not as long till my pay day.

For my birthday, I had a surprise party... really sweet... thanks everyone. And I got a brand new mini ipod. Green! I was really taken aback cause I think that's too expensive. But appareantly my bf bought that for me cause he knew I was saving for it AND so that I could use the monies I saved to buy a new bike and join a bike club. Is that a hint? I believe so... heheheeh... Guess he was exhausted from all the pushing and dragging after all.

Unfinished Business:
There are still lots of tiny details here and there that I will need to recall and write down. And I'll need to get those pictures.

Oh right, just so that everyone knows... Yess I think San Francisco is better than L.A. A city that takes only max 10 minutes to go anywhere is my kind of city :P. Hurray for Singapore!

Colonized?? I refuse!!

2005-06-05T04:25:00.001-07:00

This started as a comment to Shahrin's posting on his views as a Malay in Singapore. It has become a topic that is rather interesting for me as well and one that I would like to point out here. So I have decided to make it my posting instead.

First of all, as I am not a Singaporean, it is a sad attempt in my part to completely understand the feeling that Shahrin share. Although I must confess, when I first set foot in Singapore, I was expecting a Chinese country. So much so was the image that Singapore outside of its border. For a country that prides itself for being a multicultural entrepot, can you actually blame the minority for feeling belittled?

However, there is One point about the multi-cultural flag of singapore that I would like to emphasize: Dividing a country based on race is the most ridiculous thing that reeks of colonial/imperial times. A very odd thing that Singapore still use it. A first world country with a third world citizen classification.

If any classification is necessary, it should be religion. After all, how you are treated in certain matters are more tied to your religious beliefs than the color of the skin. I have came to learn from a local Islamic conversion centre that non Malays that convert into Islam must adopt a new Malay/Islamic name. Why? They argue that this is for identification purposes since the Singapore IC does not carry the religious status. "Should anything happen to you", they say, "of course you would want to be treated as how your beliefs dictate". How true!!! Why then, do Singapore still insist in using Race? Something of a mere color! A Malay does not mean he is a muslim, a Chinese does not mean he's a buddhist or taoist and an Indian does not mean he's a Hindu or Shikh.

This point has become a touchy sore point for me because of my recent experience to "localize" myself. You see, they require me to fill in my Race for my Permanent Residency application. By the color I appear, perhaps some people would assume I am Malay. Now as you now from Shahrin's post, there are infact races within Malay! In my "Malay" race, I am also part Minang, part Javanese. Not only that, I am also a quarter Chinese and almost half Middle East (my ancestors having been merchants from the middle east, arabia, turkey). I love my heritage and I love the fact that my ancestors have been more forward looking in their times to not have insisted same race marriages. The fact is within a few more decades, who can actually maintain a "pure" blood? And those who do, I think, have something wrong with their view of humanity.

A very funny Indian commedian once put it "In a hundred years (if we are still alive) all the people in the world would probably be a mix of Chinese and Indian!. After all, they are currently making up almost half of the World's popluation... It's just a matter of time! So you may run now... but sooner of later... we will hump you" (russel peters)

I sincerely hope, Singapore, a country I have grown to admire for its governance to evolve with the rest of the world and take a better course of action on how it maintains its multi cultural history.

In the meantime, let my I.C. show, that my race is Other

Disconnected life

2005-05-31T21:35:00.000-07:00

So... I moved out from campus yesterday and in to my new hip downtown flat. Still some boxes left unopened.. but things are looking good :D.

I woke up this morning at 8, went abt doing chores, dishes, reheat the leftover pizza, watched prime time news... but somehow a part of me is lost... the part that will logon to the nearest computer available 1 minute out of bed (yes, I am geekish in that sense). I have spent the last 4 years of my life with full 24hour internet access, emails, friends on my finger tips. Suddenly in a place without internet (or phone connection for that matter) I felt disconnected from the rest of the world. Which is kind of a creepy feeling if you think about it, specially since singapore is really crowded with over 2000 people per square km. So do forgive me for late correspondances these few days.

Anyways... just general updates:
The Prep Sem was really fun. I thought we had a decent turnout, just the perfect size to make a fun group activity. There were few speakers I like, Allen Patmarajah our BoA was charming as always, Manoj Sharma from differworld also constantly delivers insightful sessions, not to forget our beloved Nacho from DHL.

There was though one particular speaker (whom I will not mention his name to prevent any inconvenience)that didn't quite make the homerun although I find incredibly funny in a twisted kind of way. This poor british bloke was supposed to deliver a session on "moving to a foreign country + culture shock"... I think he was sooo taken aback by the diversity of the audience itself that he only mentioned "yes.. well... i think you wouldn't have any trouble adjusting to a new country" and went on to talk about how he liked Singapore but wouldn't want to move to Iraq. Hehehehe.... poor chap.

Ok what other things? Ah.. busy with admin stuff for my permanent residency application, moved house (told you already) and little things in between. Booked my flight tickets this morning back to Jakarta so I should be off in a few days time.

Next unfinished business: Wrap up transition with my incoming LCPs and fly back home

A very lucky day

2005-05-26T01:38:00.000-07:00

The funniest things happened today, forming a series of happy coincidental moments. Starting from signing my 1st job contract, getting a gift from a magazine (Michael Korrs for women parfume which is delicious!!!) to getting a jackpot of a new flat!

It's a two bedroom flat at commonwealth which I'll be sharing with another 2 girls. About 10 minutes to MRT station, with lots of food and convenient places. Nice, neat, clean furniture. (It's a big jump from the ones I've seen so far). The only down side is that it's a bit hot, but I suppose I can get 1 or 10 fans if I need to :).

I admit it's slightly over our initial budget and there are some legal issues, but hey I think it looks a OK! First confirmed guest is a wandering Estonian hee hee.
Good thing is I have a stack bed (can pullout) for sleepover guests!

Just a tip, when you go apartment hunting in Singapore bring money along!!! Things move very fast. A flat like what we just saw was probably a sure gonner if wait until the next day. Funny how coincidentally, I saw the ad and insisted a morning visit, the first one of the day for both me and my new flat. Moving time: 1 June

Note to self: show pictures of old and new place!

Next unfinished business: AIESEC Conference, SUCCEEDING IN THE GLOBAL ARENA, this weekend!! There will also be an appreciation session for our partners and TN takers. Will you be in town?

The life of a recent graduate

2005-05-22T16:58:00.000-07:00

There are a few times in life where you experience the full weight of society pressure and parental pressure. One of them is when you are graduating....

Dad (D) : "Have you found a job yet?"
Me (M) : "No"
D: "Well, any interviews?"
M: "No"
D: "What if you still haven't found a job until June??! Have you thought of doing masters?"
M: "Well, graduation IS in July!"
D: "What abt masters ?"
M: "We talked about this..."
D: "You know I have a friend that has a plastic factory, do you want to meet him?"
M: "I'm in computer engineering!"
D: "You are very stubborn, you know that?!"
M: "Genetics..."

This has been going on a few times. Until a few days ago the same people met up again.

D: "Are you OK?"
M: "Yeah... how are you?"
D: "Good"
(long pause)
M: "Well i suppose I have to tell you this sooner or later, I got a job offer"
D: "That's good!!! Congratulations"
M: "Thanks"
D: "When did you get this?"
M: "A few days ago"
D: "Have you told Mom?"
M: "Yes"
D: "When?"
M: "A few days ago"
D: "Oooh... (long pause)"
M: "Well you were giving me pressure..."
D: "Well, actually, I have been talking to my friend with the factory abt you. He's ready to meet you anytime"
M: "Stubborn"

Like father like daughter it seems :P.

Yes folks, I have found a job, supposedly with a very good company. Will be signing the offer letter this week and starting in July. So, no traineeships for now unfortunately. Maybe some years down the line :)

On to the next unfinished business: apartment hunting!
Anyone offering a good apartment in Singapore? 2 or 3 bedrooms? Currently there's 3 of us looking for 1 apartment and having 5 agents working. But 0 apartments so far with only 7 days left. Hm hum , the numbers just don't seem quite right!

Done? Done! This is it

2005-05-08T19:54:00.000-07:00

My posts have been long overdue (not that it's interesting according to Zaf:P)

Ladieeess and Gentlemen.... A little announcement from yours truly: I am done.

In the course of one week I have (in no particular order):
Went through my last paper (Check!)
Did my final year paper presentation (Check!)
Went to my 1st ever prom (Check!)
Actually put on make up and a cute little black dress (Check!)
Stayed up all night after prom and ended up taking the first train back (Check!)
Moved out of my room (Check!)
Gave up my textbooks to my juniors (Check!)

I can't wait to add some checks to these:
Move OUT OF THE FREAKIN CAMPUS!!! (I am relocated to another block)
Get my checkbooks right (i.e. get some money.... I suppose I need to work... sigh)
Go home, see my family, brag about graduation to all my cousins
A roadtrip with my other half
Go on a diving trip, or the very least a weekend away from Singapore!

But for now!!! off for a very very very late breakfast.

Apparently, I am The Wild Rose

2005-04-01T00:09:00.000-08:00

Random Brutal Love Dreamer (RBLDf)

Colorful, but unpicked. You are The Wild Rose.
Prone to bouts of cynicism, sarcasm, and thorns, you excite a certain kind of man. Hoping to gather you up, he flirts and winks and asks you out, ultimately professing his love. Then you make him bleed. Why? Because you're the rare, independent, self-sufficient kind of woman who does want love, but not from a weakling.

You don't seem to take yourself too seriously, and that's refreshing. You aren't uptight; you don't over-plan. Romance-wise, sex isn't a top priority--a true relationship would be preferable. For your age, you haven't had a lot of bonafide love experience, though, and this kind of gets to core of the issue. You're very selective.

Your exact opposite:
The Dirty Little Secret

Deliberate Gentle Sex Master

The problem is them, not you, right? You have lofty standards that few measure up to. You're out there all right, but not to be picked up by just anyone.

"You're never truly single as long as you have yourself."

ALWAYS AVOID: The Bachelor

CONSIDER: The Vapor Trail.

He he he very interesting result :P. What's yours?

Help me(Aldi) fight Leukemia!__PLEASE forward to friends

2005-03-26T04:01:00.000-08:00

Message: Heiii all,

How's it going? I hope you don't mind me asking a
little help.

On April 30th, 2005, I'll be racing my first
triathlon and am trying hard to raise over $3,000
for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through
Team
In Training to help cure cancer.

1. Fundraising is tough!

I'm currently $2000 short on my fundraising so I'm
calling out for help to all my friends.

The best way to donate is through my website:
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgsf/aldi

Donations have ranged from $20-250, but don't
worry.
If 50% of my dearest friends(thats you) just
donate $10, we will be $2000 closer to finding a
cure for Leukemia. And... I'll meet my fundraising
minimum. Yay!

2. Training has been interesting

check out my training diaries:
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgsf/aldi

Some funny incidents:
a. Went cycling 20 miles standing up because I
forgot to bring my seat.

b. I injured my IT band muscle(on my knee) all
because of shoes I bought on sale =(

c. I almost jumped into a pool without water.

=(

2005-03-22T21:50:00.000-08:00

Bad day.... I have to accept the fact that I stink in programming. It took me a gazillion years to program and bug. It's really frustrating, everytime i finish running an entire batch of simulation (overnight!) there will always have a weird results which I need 1 day to find. It took me 3 weeks to install NS2, a whole month to figure out how it works, another whole month to get comfortable using Tcl and C++ together. Now i have 4 days to learn about perl, how to use gnu plot, file parsing and not to mention hours and hours worth of simulation and debugging at the side. The chances of me taking a masters in computing field are getting slimmer. =S
^__^ anyways, thanks for listening. This is just to cool me down.

Worse off with technology.

2005-03-17T21:09:00.000-08:00

We've all heard the story about how technology drove hundreds and thousands of labors to unemployment. Looks like it's not just ordinary people who's feeling the impact

Oh, the pain of HDTV and 'unfortunate' skin

She might have a dazzling smile, a pop-star boy toy and one of the heftiest paychecks in Hollywood, but get her on high-definition TV and poor Cameron Diaz "looks more like a Charlie than an angel."

But Diaz needn't feel alone. The list gets equally snarky about celebs including Britney Spears, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Douglas, Brad Pitt and Joan Rivers, all of whom apparently exhibit assorted larger-than-life flaws when seen in the unforgiving light of razor-sharp high-definition television.

brain dead...

2005-03-17T20:18:00.000-08:00

12.19 pm
brain dead.

If you are unlucky enough to have used the Vim editor.
You know what I mean.

I program alot these days that I can't even use Microsoft Word or any other word processor. Cause VIM use something like this
:w -> save
:wq ->save and quit
/program cw tool ->search and copy
No wonder computer engineering is soo cryptic!

Anyways.. back to more meaningful topic

AIESEC & IBM

I was attending a recruitment talk from IBM and one of its managing director spoke to us about how she joined IBM. Well for her full speech she must have said AIESEC at least 10 times

"I was in AIESEC"

"I wanted to go for an AIESEC traineeship"

"IBM had alot of AIESEC trainees"

And silly old me was going "yay! yay! yay!". She's giving us free advertisement, now that's sending the right message :) Afterwards everyone was like "hey aiesec hey aiesec to me" hahahaha

anyways, have to get back to work
over and out

:wq
make depend
make
make install

run

TRAVEL PARTNER NEEDED!!

2005-03-13T00:04:00.000-08:00

Great promotions at ZUJI: air ticket Sgp-L.A. SGD 795 from china airlines (excl tax).
Min 2 person to go for this summer. If you are interested, give me a note at fidaheyder@yahoo.com!
Thanks :)

true intentions

2005-03-11T22:57:00.000-08:00

I need my boyfriend, but my boyfriend needs you! Triathlon anyone?

Porteadores Inka Nan - Home page

2005-03-11T22:53:00.000-08:00

Hey all you nomads / world traveller:

I've always wanted to go to Peru on the famous Inca trail, but these porters need more than just the sight, they need you to be more considerate. Good read before you head down there, the Inca porter project.

You're a pain, but let's get married anyway

2005-03-10T22:31:00.000-08:00

You're a pain, but let's get married anyway

"Birth rates hit a record low in 2004 and an annual survey by condom-maker Durex has ranked Singapore for three straight years near the bottom of its list of sexually active nations.

In the latest survey, only 14 percent of Singaporeans described themselves as "very happy" with their partners, the lowest of the regions surveyed and compared with 48 percent in the United States. "

So much for Singapore as a honey moon spot?
(Oh boy, this BlogThis! is so neat I can't seem to stop!)

This is another interesting news from the Singapore Window

Minister: Gay festival may be behind HIV surge???

2005-03-10T21:53:00.000-08:00

"ONE of Asia's most popular gay and lesbian festivals may be behind a sharp rise in the number of new HIV infections in Singapore, a government minister told parliament on Wednesday, March 9. Senior Minister of State for Health, Balaji Sadasivan, cited an unnamed medical expert's opinion that the Nation festival, which attracts thousands of revellers from around the region each August, is a possible cause for the rise."

Oh man, the many interesting things we see in Singapore.

For more interesting news on Singapore, I highly recommend the singapore window.

Bali, the island of the gods

2005-03-10T21:29:00.000-08:00

Seeing that alot of my friends wish to visit Bali, I thought this bali blog travel guide will help you plan your itinerary better. It also gives you an idea about the many religious ceremonies or festival so that you may plan your vacations accordingly.

FYI, the main religion in Bali is Hindu. Although a slightly more indonesian Hindu. Today is the Nyepi Day in Bali. Nyepi means "to be alone" (kinda...). This is the day of the year that everyone in Bali stays indoor in solitary. Lamps are not even allowed. All public places are closed including the Ngurah Rai airport. Want to know more about this special day, check out this page or this one

Java Jazz Festival

2005-03-09T22:16:00.000-08:00

For a country that has been quite the superstar with its terrorists and bombs, this goes to prove that Indonesia is still alive and kicking!
Behold, the Java Jazz Festival . Bringing together some of the worlds greatest jazz musicians, the likes of james brown and incognito!

The event is so successfule, the organizers already set the dates 3-5 March 2006 for the next event. Hm hm... anyone care to mark their next year's calendar??

Help me raise donation for Cancer!

2005-03-09T01:27:00.000-08:00

Friends, let me your (umm...) eyes for the next few lines.

Cancer is a very real threat to alot of people. Myself, I have lost both my grandmothers to cancer. One of them taken just short of a year before I was born and the other one when I was very young.

Recently, a very sweet guy has just taken up a step to battle cancer. More specifically, Leukemia. He has pledged to participate in a triathlon in return for your kind donations. This would mean months of routine dedication in his part to train for the triathlon and about 5 minutes of your time to donate. It doesn't take much.. every dollar counts. In addition, he will put up his training diaries for you to see and to be sure that he is sticking to his end of the deal.

If you would like to help out his effort, you can check out his training page and donate through the the link provided. Or you may wish to spread the word around.

PS: his diary is quite entertaining so far, and with his luck it's bound to be an interesting journey!

Fida

fyp fyp fyp

2005-03-09T01:12:00.000-08:00

Those of you blessed with ignorance of the above terms, fyp means Final Year Project.

A last effort of the administration of the university to attempt in order to keep you prisoner in your undergraduate years. Admittedly, it is much easier doing my fyp here than some of my friends back home (we call it "skripsi" in indonesia). After all, Singapore is the land of efficiency.

Yet I truly wish little old me four years ago would have already realized that I am just not computer engineer material. Do i really care if there's "no reference to vtable", "MIG flag timeout very much less than the IGMP Query broadcast" (venting out here, sorry for the terms).

Point is, I feel there is sooo much more I can do out there that is much more important (and enjoyable) then getting stuck here.

Thank god for the nomads all around the world with your blogs. It's like 5 minute vacations for me!

I am sincerely excited of the prospects of me joining the travellers club after I graduate. It is just my plain luck though that everyone I know seems to have Indonesia next on their destination list. The irony... hehehehe... (I guess will be staying at my place then?)

Vietnam, Thailand, Tibet and the likes anyone?? Seriously, anyone?? give me a buzz ok!!

Fida

hei hei

2005-02-07T02:46:00.000-08:00

Trying out all the features

Hurray!

2005-02-02T22:45:00.000-08:00

love, fida