Life is never the same again

I am grateful as God bestowed upon me the most precious opportunity to discover a new life in the states. Ever since I came here, contemplating all the changes made in me, I know I have gotten to know myself better and better. I saw a particular propensity for enthusiastic in me, am I Americanized? Hugs is nonetheless the greatest greeting ever, hugging a friend makes me feel joyful and definitely, I allow my happiness to be contagious as how it is. I couldn't tell if you are tolerable with this American culture, you could, let me know perhaps? Kinda like the changes which attempt to stay with me, they are natural and easy-adapt. The "me" sometimes flunked, but my grieve was not as much as I used to before I came to US. Did I change? Am I depraved? Did the changes lead me astray from the proper life I used to have? No, they didn't. They make me a better person and somehow I retain my principles very well. Before I came to this easygoing sphere, friends admonished me as the U.S. was a rough world. Yes, they were right ONLY IF you don't have a strong mindset then you could easily fall prey to it. Some friends of mine, they changed, just like I did but in a different way. Alcohol is as crucial as part of their life, party is necessary during the weekends. I don't deny that partying is definitely a good way to socialize with peoples cause at the meantime you do enjoy, as an imbiber but the intemperance of alcohol consumption might also ruin your social networking, you never know especially when you are drunk. I do drink but occasionally, not in a bar but simply at friends' house. I wanna bring back the great values to Malaysia and practice them, if I weren't given a chance to get to know the cultures in America, my life would definitely not be the same. Sometimes, things happen once in your life, you don't get to choose to rewind thus, appreciate it. Yup, Life is never the same again! Wooho0

Optimize Your Time to The Max

by Ali Brown, Make Time to Accomplish Your Goals Now

Have you ever had one of those days when you are busy working on your business all day, but at the end of the day you feel like you've accomplished nothing? You're not alone. In today's competitive environment, it's not enough to be busy -- you need to be productive, working toward your goals and your bottom line, or your business won't thrive. 

Your most important skill is being able to make TIME for your money-making business visions. That's the difference between being a "hamster on a wheel" versus finishing that information product, starting that membership program, or hosting the live event of your dreams.

So, if you need some strategies to get your day moving in the right direction, read on for a few helpful tips:

Know your most productive time. Are you the type who jumps out of bed full of energy and your highest level of creativity, or do you not hit your stride till the afternoon or evening? Know when you hit your peak and schedule your most important tasks then.

Block your time for designated tasks. Your most vital appointment to keep is with yourself. Schedule time for getting your important goals accomplished each day and don't let another week, month, or year go by without achieving your business visions.

Delegate your distracters. That email needs answering, and you need to update your social media accounts, and that invoice needs to get sent out. Life needs attention, but delegate everything you can to your virtual assistant to clear your decks and your mind for productive work.

Create a Zen workplace. You won't get your best work done if the TV is blaring, the phone is ringing off the hook, and a pile of overdue bills is staring you in the face. Make your workspace a place where you love to be that is tidy, comfortable, and beautiful and that promotes your creativity.

Take breaks. It's tempting when you are under a deadline to power through your lunch and not get up from your chair. But getting up, moving around, and getting the blood flowing will help reenergize and refocus your mind. So take 10 or 15 minutes to revitalize, and then get back to it.

Fend off the time zappers. Whether it's your smart phone alerting you to a post on your Facebook account or your friend down the street who drops by, you need to guard your productive time. Turn off the smart phone and let your friend know you'll touch base later and get back to work.

Keep it simple. You know how you decide to recover a chair and pretty soon you're remodeling your entire home? It's easy to complicate things and then they become overwhelming. Keep your goals in front of you and when you go off on tangents, gently guide yourself back to the essential task at hand.

Let go of what doesn't matter.  You can waste time obsessing about some of the little details that can be highly distracting. Step back, get some perspective, and stay focused on the big, money-making picture.

Schedule downtime. It's tempting when your overloaded to work the weekend, but don't do it. You need your time off to rest, recharge, and play so that you won't get burned out. It's amazing how much creativity emerges during these restful times. Sleep is essential as well (and recent studies reveal how important sleep is for weight loss too!).

Work on one thing at a time. In case you haven't heard, multitasking doesn't work. You're less efficient at each task you try to do at the same time. Focus on your one essential objective and you'll get it done faster and better.

Not All Friends Are Equal

by Ali Brown

"True happiness consists not in the multitude of friends, but in their worth and choice." – Samuel Johnston

They are your closest confidants and most passionate cheerleaders who make the bad times bearable and the good times even better. Your gal pals know you better than anyone else. But no matter how much you love them, you can’t expect your friends to be everything for you all the time. Life is so complex and multi-layered -- no single friend is equipped to handle your multitude of different needs, wants, and desires.

You must cultivate a collection of friends to help you handle every aspect of your life. Think of it as being a little like running your business. You always employ the right person for the right job, so in your private life, pick the right friend for the right need. Worried about taking the company in a new direction? Call Barbara; she’s adventurous and has sound business advice. Can’t decide whether your new boots will go with the purple trench coat? Get in touch with Jane -- she’s a fashion diva, always on top of the latest trends. To cover all your bases, surround yourself with friends who each possess at least one of the following traits.

The positive pal

This is someone endowed with boundless energy who is always looking on the bright side of things -- even when it appears a bright side cannot be found. She sees potential barriers as mere hurdles to kick over. This is the friend that not only gives her approval by way of a thumbs up and an emphatic “Go for it!” when told you’re taking a year off to write poetry -- this is the friend that takes less than a nanosecond to do it.

The truthful pal

There’s no hidden agenda here. She’ll always tell it like it is. If that outfit makes you look like a balloon, she won’t be shy about saying so. This isn’t done with any malice -- the truthful pal only has your best intentions at heart.

The fashionable friend

Avoid those clothing calamities and wardrobe disasters with a fashionable friend who has the style tips and advice that are just right for you. She always knows what shoes go with which outfit and is a genius when it comes to accessorizing your look.

The forgiving friend

No one is perfect, but this friend will always forgive your faults. As Elbert Hubbard once said, “A friend is someone who knows all about you and loves you just the same.”

The travel buddy

Whether you want to dive off the Great Barrier Reef, explore the pyramids of Egypt, or be pampered in a health spa, this friend wants to discover the world with you. She’s good at compromising; and like you, is just as happy by the pool, the bar, or on top of a mountain.

The party pal

When it’s time to dress up like a diva and hit the party hotspots, grab the friend who’ll make you giggle and forget the burdens of business. This friendship is about spontaneity, fun, and great times.

The faithful friend

She is devoted to you at all times. Whatever life throws at you, the faithful friend is always there at the other end of the phone and willing to jump on that plane, train, or automobile to be with you in your hour of need.

Picking and cultivating good friends is one of life’s greatest skills. It’s not easy but the results can be truly amazing. Think of each pal as a specialist, and you can call on their expertise at anytime. It’s like having your own team of special advisors.

Springfield, IL *Lincoln Museum and Lincoln's House

A trip with Daisy and Nicolas to Springfield, IL. It was a lull in the early morning. When we talk about Springfield, people know what we could do. You got it! Lincoln's Museum and his house. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was indeed a great man, he worths my salute. He led the country through its greatest constitutional, military and moral crisis. Without him, slavery might still exist in this era; without him, African Americans might still being evicted, Native Americans being exiled. Came to learn about him including his assassination in April 1865 which was planned and carried out by John Wilkes Booth, his death was indeed a big lost of the United States. It was a wonderful and knowledgeable trip although the amtrak was late when we went back to Normal.

In Lincoln's Museum

Daisy and I

Lincoln's Museum (In front of White House)

With Abraham Lincoln, the greatest man.

The Capitol of Springfield, IL

Daisy, Nicolas and I in front of Lincoln's house

Days Before Finals

First Snow in ISU

Hohoho~ Merry Christmas!

It was a snowy night and my host mom paid me to attend Su Han's concert.

I did not really understand what they were playing but overall it was OK because I got to capture some photos of me with the fluffy and frigid snow. The weather was -15C and I was fine, this is incredible. I do love snow, it is delicate and pure.

Christmas Tree in CPA

It was me laying down on the frosty snow

The pretty castle

Whatever this building is

Right in front of the library

Words written under the arch

That was my dorm, the taller one.

Roberto and His Friends