Yes, Time Flies but You Are the Pilot

When I was in kindergarten, what I remembered are only swing, slide, hide and seek, sing, dance and laugh. I knew that I was such an ambitious person because I beg my mom to go to school as I saw some students passed by my house. Thank God for the good spirit since I was a lil girl.

Fast forward 3 years, I got into primary school. I was just as simple as other kids. No pressure, no burden; just simple mathematics. My parents never cared about my academic achievement. As long as I could pass the class, they were glad. Thank God, I was able to be in top 10.

Fast forward 3 years, the competition was getting harder as students are categorized into 3 top-to-bottom classes. I was stressed, I struggled, I studied hard. Thank God I could pass the final exam and moved forward to the higher level of education.

Fast forward 3 years, I was a junior high-school student. I took me a while to adapt with the environment and new subjects. I learned to socialize, I took part in the community, I joined World Scout Jamboree, etc Most of all, this was also the year I started to hate Physics subject. Thank God for all the joy and the pain.

Fast forward 2 years, I decided to move school. At the beginning, I thought this was a big mistake but His grace guided my life. I got new friends, I could communicate in English, I volunteered in the special olympics for disabled people, etc. Thank God, I could learn to appreciate life better.

Fast forward 2 years, I flew to America hoping for a better education. Even though I was one of the youngest students, I could prove that age wouldn't determine how far you can fly. I learned that I have to be grateful for all the blessings and opportunities that come along the way. I had a dream: graduate from good university. Thank God for the blessings and guidance for 4 years of happiness and struggle. Vanessa Matio, B.Sc. Business Administration, Corporate Finance.

And here I am now. I just stepped into a more exciting journey to be a career woman. At the age 20, sometimes I tell myself "hold on, slow down, this is too fast." But sometimes I also tell myself "see these are not as bad as what you thought. This is exciting, isnt it?" I know soon or later I'm gonna deal with overtime, project, dateline, panda eyes, etc. So why don't I just enjoy every 'bittersweet' moment that life offers? Thank God, I am able to reach my dream job,

I can't wait to see what's more coming up, probably career opportunities, exciting experience or probably marriage life. I just can't be thankful more for what has happened in my life =)

Prayer is When You Talk to God

Warm greetings from home sweet home =)

In this post, I would like to share my new ritual that I have been doing for the past year. To be honest, I am not a religious person; I rarely go to church but I experience the power of prayers in real life. God doesn't answer all my prayers at once but I believe that He hears all. He is working on those and answer in his perfect time.

First, I pray for my Dad and Mom. May God give them happiness, joy and peace. I pray that God protects them from slander, distress and disaster. I hope all they do can glorify His name and can also be useful for other people. God bless our family; God bless their business. God keep them from sickness and give them a long live.

Second, I pray for my brother. May God give him happiness, joy and peace. I pray that God protects him from all slanders, distresses and disasters. I hope all he does can glorify Your name and be useful for other people. God bless his study, partner-in-life and job. Please guide him through his life and remind him when he walks in a wrong direction.

Third, I pray for my partner in life. God, please draw me near to my soul mate. May God give him happiness, joy and peace. God please protects him from slander, distress and disaster. Hopefully what he does can glorify Your name and be useful for other people.

Forth, I pray for myself, my education and my working life. I pray that I can grow to be a better person for each new day. May God also bless my education and career path. I hope that all I do can be a blessing for all people around me continuously.

Sixth, I pray for those people who are sad, may God give them happiness. For those who are hopeless, may God give them faith and hopes. For those who are sick, may God heal them.

I hope what I share can inspire you. Keep your faith in Him

Life is Beautiful Beyond Words

Hi people, I'm currently blogging from Jakarta. Yes, I'm back to my hometown. I am no longer staying in States.

It's pretty sad because I have to leave my comfort zone but thanks Lord everything is good. God provides, God comforts and most of all, God hears my prayers. I was worried about the adaptation issue but thanks God, it took me only a while to feel "homey" again.

Continuing from my previous post, I'm done working in Ernst and Young. Some people know that it has been one of my dreams to work in Big 4. Praise Lord, I got the opportunity to be part of a prestigious, supportive, friendly working environment. And only by God's grace that I have the opportunity to work as a full-time employee [read: soon =) ].

Lebaran holiday has been great. Even though the weather was kinda crazy but 10 days flew too fast. I got some new friends; they are fun and energetic people. I'm gonna miss all the fun, chit-chat and jokes.

It has always been a dilemma for me to think about my future. I am dreaming of a graduate degree, a secure job, a one-in-a-lifetime marriage, a simple yet memorable wedding, a faithful and hardworking husband, cheerful kids and ... happily ever after.

However, it's easy to list down but it's hard to achieve. I want to continue my education level but my parents do not allow me. The reason is simply because if I have a master degree, my expectation towards my life partner would be higher. They just want me to have a standard education level but good networking and social life.

In most cases, people assume that career women have unbalanced marriage life. My opinion on this is that money has given them the happiness that they want so they are no longer need happiness from family. I always imagine myself having a successful career life and peaceful personal life even though I admit that it's gonna be impossible because there would be conflicts between them. I don't want to sacrifice one for another but that means that I follow my own ego, not my heart. My friends have inspired me that I should back off my own ego by sacrificing my career life upon my life partner's request, probably with good reason. You may assume that I'm thinking too far about this kind of stuff but actually, I have thought of this stuff many years ago. I have planned my life with targets, expectations and dreams.

I think the future of my life is like a mega project. I want to make it a big success and that's why I must have enough plannings and good preparation.

I hope this inspires you to think about yours.

To Live and Let Live

Hi all, greetings from UCLA Powell Library. I am currently waiting for my brother's UCLA student orientation.

Quick update from me.

1. I am now a graduate from Marshall Business School with a bachelor degree in Corporate Finance.

2. I just went back from Texas with my girls. The trip was fun but too hot to be true! (Deasy said that it's "slightly better than hell")

3. I am leaving United States this Sunday, July 10th, 2011. This is so so so sad! I will leave my brother and friends but I'm looking forward to meet them again next time! =)

4. I start working in Ernst and Young on July 18th, 2011. I am so excited about this!

5. My parents have planned for Lebaran vacation this coming August.

So, I think life is great and I just want to live to the fullest =)

Worth the Wait.

Long time no see.

I'm writing this in the middle of the night where I should have been asleep but I can' t close my eyes. Final week is here, and graduation day is seven days away. I don't know if I could describe my feelings in words because I myself can't tell. I try my best - nervous, excited, tired and panic. You can tell.

I have lived my life to the fullest.

For the past four years, I have learned a lot and grown up to be a lady. If people ask me whether I'm happy with what I am now, my answer would be YES. In life, I have been through bitter and sweet; people didn't see it but I swear I went through it. I felt good, I felt down, I felt strong, I felt depressed, I felt alone, I felt welcomed, I myself felt everything that others couldn't feel it. Yet, all the struggles make me to be a stronger and a more independent person. Tell me if you do not agree with me.

Worth the wait.

After four years putting my energy and effort day and night, I will get my title "Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with emphasis in Corporate Finance" in 6 days. I am just 6 days away! I am grateful because all my efforts are finally paid off. Honestly, I love studying; probably I should say I have been studying too hard (and too much) and that's better. 4 years - worth the wait =)

For those who are behind the scene.

I won't survive until this point without family and friends that have supported my back all the time. So, everyone out there, thank you for all the continuous encouragement and support. I can't thank enough. I have been blessed, over-blessed.

Live by Faith, not by Sight

"For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future" (Jer. 29:11)

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord …" (Psalm 37:23)

"A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." (Proverbs 16:9)

"But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil." (Proverbs 1:33)

"And we know God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them." (Romans 8:28)

"I love the Lord because He hears my voice and prayer for mercy. I will pray as long as I have breath." (Psalm 116:1-2)

"I love you, Lord, You are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior. My God is my rock in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and He saved me from my enemies." Psalm 18:1-3

"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen. It gives us assurance about things we cannot see." (Hebrew 11:1)

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6)

Worry looks around. Regret looks back. Faith looks forward.

Life has been packed for the past few months. I guess it's all started from a wonderful Christmas trip to East, few days of holiday, new Spring semester started, trips to North with lovelies, ... sweet escape to Vegas. And now, I am ruled by assignment, homework, midterms, projects, etc etc etc. They never stop bothering my university life. I will miss those in, may be, 1 year? or may be less :D

I have been sick for roughly a week. Smoke in Vegas made my life miserable. I can't breath. I am so over this sinus. I went to Health Center for three times and I'm still not getting well. Oh may be the crisis drives them crazy and thus I should buy more and more medicine from school pharmacist. They robbed me!

I am glad that for the past few months, I understand life better.

I learn that having fun with old friends is the most relaxing activities for weekend but not the day after when you have tasks due.

I learn that friends come and go; I should not believe in anyone because even best friend can leave.

I learn that the most heartwarming things when you feel alone is sharing with true friends.

I learn that a sinus person shouldn't stay long at casino. It is definitely better to wait outside.

I learn that your dedication and commitment will shine, may be not now, but it will.

I learn that a person that I least talk to is the one who help me.

I learn that family will always support you in thick and thin.

I learn to be a patient person because I must know that everything takes time and needs processes. I hate waiting but I realize that this waiting time allows me to learn more, search more and understand more.

What have you learnt for the past few months? Have you thanked God for what you have now?

Remember

if you are happy right now, there might be someone praying for you. So, why not you also pray for other?

Dear God,

Please hear my prayer and make my dreams come true. I believe that God will answer on the right time.

"God is working things out for you, even when you don't feel it. Have faith and be thankful"

Hopefully =)

My Dad, My Hero

my papoy sang very well.

*and he asked us to clap hands

i miss you papipupepo =)

FINALS

Final week

Best of luck, everyone =)

Bestest Friend for Life

**i'm grateful having you in my life, Teguh =")