Love Yourself

I had a difficult time in the workplace. I'm happy working there, but being happy without real progress is not enough. And to make it worst, suddenly "Negara API" attacking and everything changed in the office.

I have a very clear, discrete plan for my future. I know what I want to be in every five years. I have it in the picture on a paper actually. When my ex-boss saw it, he said, you are so ambitious. Well, how can you face yourself each morning in mediocrity?  I want to be the best, even though I realize it takes time and process. But I need constant progress. 

I started rather slow in my career, you know. Most people started when they were 22 yo. But for me, I spend another two years for a master degree. I started when I was 24 yo. I need to accelerate right now. I can't wait any longer. 

I had my struggles in the past four weeks. I talked previously about the transferring to another department. Hey, I'm not allergic to changes. But this change has zero benefits (in my perspective) for my future career. I should start from the beginning again, without any raise or promotion or whatsoever. 

I'm a fool if I do nothing. 

I'm not saying that I'm that brilliant. But I'm very good at my job, I have all of the degrees and certification you need. I have the attitude. So, I said to myself, nothing is irreplaceable. 

Thank's to God, He knows my heart, my struggles, the pain. He opened the way, in a way that I don't even imagine it first. 

Only in two weeks process, I have another job. With the promotion that I always want, better level, a raise (50%!) and a better health plan. 

Again, glory to the Lord who leads us even in the darkest hours. 

I know, there will be many stories, risks, challenges ahead waiting for me. But hey, that's life!

For every woman out there, never ever give up on yourself. Never ever let yourself be that fool dancing on the strings held by those big shots. Never. Take the control of your life. Fight until you can't breathe anymore. Fight for your life. Because no one, no human being, will love you like you should love yourself. No one will take care of you like you should take care of yourself. 

War

I spent several nights to watch Netflix documentary about the Vietnam War (also called American War). There are 10 episodes, covered around 25 years of the War.

Watched the documentary did really break my heart. I felt sick, devastated, and angry as well.
2 million Vietnamese and 50,000 Americans lost their lives during the war. 1 of 5 Vietnamese was homeless...

Vietnamese wanted their freedom, no matter how expensive the price. And they had every right to think and do so. On the other hand, American could not stand to see the world felt into Communism. They were in cold war against Russia, and the last thing they wanted was that Southeast Asia becoming red at that time.

Vietnamese divided into North and South Vietnam. South Vietnam is backed by the Americans, while North Vietnam is backed by Russia and China.

To summarize, after more than 20 years supported and backed South Vietnam, American pulled out their support. Americans people became weary of the war. Anti-war demonstrations were everywhere. They had enough of the war, and Richard Nixon administration ended their military support.  and after that, on April 1975, South Vietnam Army and Viet Cong successfully defeated South Vietnam and the county was united. I think it is safe to say that aside what ideology finally implemented (which ideology is wrong or right), at the end of the day, the Vietnam people won the war. But then again, the price is too expensive. Too expensive.

In every single war, for resources, for ideology, for whatever reason, the people will pay the highest price. They do not have the power to stand. And most of the time, the government will do everything, including lying, covering, and manipulating to win the war.

Bravery, gallantry, patriotism, sometimes being manipulated to achieve certain elite's interests.

Watched the documentary taught me several things. Firstly, in this mean world (dog-eat-dog world) we cannot be that naive. To be frank, no one will do really think about our goodness, except our own selves. When we were young, we are easily manipulated and used by the 'bigger' people around us. Do not fall into that trap again. Remember always to think and think again, use the brain to think what's right, what's wrong, and speak up. Don't believe something just because some people says so.
Secondly, history is super powerful. It can open our eyes and our conscious. We learn from history so we do not repeat the same mistakes. So spread the history. Use your social media with your brain. Don't spoil it too much for the stupid shallow thing always, spread the message, try to be a good influencer.

We want this world to be a better world. Then we should start with ourselves.

Japan

Do you watch World Cup 2018 in Russia? I have watched world cup since 2002 and it is safe for me to say that World Cup 2018 is the best world cup ever. So many upsets (upset is a term used if the favorite hot team is defeated by the less one) and it's super entertaining.

Well, Amry and I support Japan Team in this world cup, not because we work in Japanese Company, but because we like to support underdog team in the world cup and well, both of us were so impressed during our visit to Japan.

Japan was in the same group with Colombia, Poland, and Senegal. And Japan was the least expected to go through the knockout stage. But this is wonderful about football in a big tournament like the world cup, everyone has a chance to make a surprise win. And Japan did it. Japan and Colombia were the two group to pass to the knockout stage. Unfortunately, they couldn't make it further. They were defeated by Belgium (no 3 in the world) in injury time after led 2-0. Well, I was a bit sad but Amry was devastated (wkwkwkwkw).

I remember, I told him that he shouldn't be sad. He should be proud. Japan is number 61 in FIFA ranking and is able to play with 16 best clubs in knockout phase is already a big achievement. They beat Colombia, draw with Senegal (who has Sadio Mane for god sake), and almost win over Belgium (again No 3 in the world).

Nothing to be ashamed of. They played aggressively and they can go home with their heads up.

Germany received tons of critics after they were beaten by South Korea. They should be embarrassed to went home so early because they have a pedigree team, they have the talent, the European physical, they have last year world cup trophy. And Japan did not have any of them, still, they fought bravely and achieved more than expected.

Sometimes, in life, we do not have so much when we were born. We do not have the best talent, best physical advantage, best resources to be a success in this world. But it should not prevent you to try your best in every competition in your life. Should not prevent you from fought bravely and gallantly. No matter what is the result, make sure that you fight and can face every competition with your heads up.