At Last!

Oh, oh,

I can't stop this happy feeling! I've got rid all the sh**ty assignments, I've went back to (and am still at) my hometown, and I have my leisure time on my grab! Not to mention, my birthday is tomorrow!

What should be the perfect word to describe this feeling? Hmm..

Aha!


"Yipppeeeee!!" *rotfl*


...
Okay, I know it's not even a word. Sue me, I don't care (Oh but please don't *lol*), 'cause you can't make me less happy. *grins*

Oh, My.. What Some Long Months Indeed!

Hi-ho, guys! *smiles*

It's been quite a long time since my last post, no? Well, lately I got no time to do my postings, due to some assignments I'm forced to do for this semester. Those horrible assignments, ohh.. *goosebumps* And they have feet, I swear! They're always running around and chasing me and, ..and yelling, 'HEY! THE DEADLINE IS TOMORROW, SO STOP FOOLING AROUND AND DO IT!'

Okay, okay, I admit it, that was partly my fault to begin with.. I just left the assignments untouched 'till they came to me and yelled those horrible words I typed on CAPS above. And with them haunting me all the day and the night just before the deadline, I just couldn't deny them anymore so I had to do them right there and then (Oh, don't get any wrong ideas in that sentence, please..). I don't know why, but it seems that all my great ideas come when I am under pressure. Humm, maybe I should say this in a cooler words. An adrenaline rush? Well, yeah, maybe.

They said all sanguins (I'm a sanguin, from what I know) are just like that, and I couldn't help but agreeing.

Hehehe. *grins*

God, I feel that these past two months are very, very long months I've endure in my entire life. Oh, okay, I'm using hyperbole there. Not that long, actually. It's just.. long. Well, whatever. It's just, I got no workshop class for this semester and yet I got the equal amount of assignment like those semester when I did the workshop. Just what did I take anyway?

Oh, right. Urban Design. Along with Regional and Urban Modelling.




Not that I regret taking those classes. They're really fun, actually! Well, they're just not that nice if you look on the other way around.

I'll tell you why.

Urban Design's always smiling at me on the very first time we met, alluring me with her sweet words (somehow in my mind, I got the feeling that this class should be feminine) and made me couldn't drop the class when I had the opportunity. Well, okay, all the time I spend with her is very fun, though by no means is also very tiring. I got to do some observations to the place I've never been before, made plenty designs, made plenty plots, etcetera. New experiences for me, new knowledges for me, and old aches on legs, back, and most importantly, brain, also for me. Not to mention the final assignment made me worry too much, and I hate the worrying me. I should be doing it now (yeah, I haven't finished it yet), but here I am, trying to prolong my time to deal with it. *sighs*

On the other hand, the Regional and Urban Modelling sounds very cool for me at first. He looks at me with a pair of very mysterious eyes (yeah, this one has more masculine trait, it seems), making me melt with curiousness. He's very mysterious that I EVEN DO NOT KNOW what he will talk about, and being the often-indifferent-girl I am, I don't make any attempt to find out. So, yes, without my proper investigation about him, I soon was caught in the subject I'm not very good at: Advance Planning Analysis Methods. Oh, c'mon, who the hell is talking about.. those things with a girl anyway? Regression with dummy variables? Coefficient of determination? Give me a break!

But still, I would say I'm happy to know them. Like I told you before, they're nice. *smiles*

Oh, yeah, by the way, since my semester is almost done now, it's just a matter of time for me to have two and half months for myself. My lovely beach, here I come!

...
Scratch that. I still have to do my field practices (kerja praktek) on my summer holiday. Oh, cruel, cruel major I got. Indeed. Luckily, a government office has already accept me to practice with them, and they're located at my own hometown! Maybe I can still visit my lovely beach on the weekends? I hope so.





Oh, oh, my birthday is coming soon! What will I do? What will I do??
Humm.. going out for a dinner with my whole family sounds great. Maybe I'll do that. *smiles*

Till next time, guys! Ta-ta for now!

The Benefits of Nature's 'Wonder Drug'

Hi there! *smiles*

Today I would like to talk about tea, about its kinds and benefit, facts and all.

Actually, all tea comes from the same basic plant called Camellia sinensis. Its differs arise from the processing, growing conditions, and geography, and eventually could be divided into five basic categories: black, green, oolong, white, and pu-erh.

Black tea is allowed to wither, which precedes a process called oxidation (sometimes incorrectly referred to as fermentation) during which water evaporates out of the leaf and the leaf absorbs more oxygen from the air. Black teas usually undergo full oxidation, and the results are the characteristic dark brown and black leaf, the typically more robust and pronounced flavors of black teas, and, when brewed appropriately, a higher caffeine content compared to other teas (50-65% of coffee, depending on the type and brewing technique).

Some benefits of Black Tea are:

1.Black Tea saves arteries.

Drinking black tea helps prevent deadly clogging of arteries and reverses poor arterial functioning that can trigger heart attacks and strokes. In arecent test, Joseph Vita, M.D., of the Boston University School of Medicine, had heart patients drink either plain water or four cups of black tea daily. In a month, impaired blood vessel functioning (a risk factor for heart attack and strokes) improved about 50% in the black tea drinkers.

2. Black Tea inhibits cancer growth.

Tea has long been tied to a lower risk of stomach, colon and breast cancer, although the connection is not proven. Now lab studies find that black tea chemicals actually may stop cancer growth. Rutgers University researchers showed that a compound in black tea called TF-2 caused colorectal cancer cells to "commit suicide"; normal cells were unaffected.
3. Black Tea tames inflammation.

TF-2, the newly discovered anti-cancer compound in black tea, suppresses the Cox-2 gene that triggers inflammation, says research at Rutgers.

4. Black Tea wipes out viruses.

Previous tests prove black tea can neutralize germs, including some that cause diarrhea, pneumonia, cystitis and skin infections. New research by Milton Schiffenbauer of Pace University finds that black and green tea deactivates viruses, including herpes. When you drink tea, he says, chances are good you will wipe out viruses in your mouth.

Green tea is allowed to wither only slightly after being picked. Then the oxidation process is stopped very quickly by firing (rapidly heating) the leaves. Therefore, when brewed at lower temperatures and for less time, green teas tend to have less caffeine (10-30% of coffee). Greens also tend to produce more subtle flavors with many undertones and accents that connoisseurs treasure.

The benefits of Green Tea are following:

1. Green Tea lowers the risk of cancer

Many studies have shown that people who drink green tea have significantly lower risk of cancer. Green Tea polyphenols are potent antioxidants, especially in the brain. Some studies show that the polyphenols most prevalent in green tea, the catechins, are far more potent in suppressing free radicals than vitamins C or E.

2. Green Tea lowers cholesterol and thus, the risk of stroke and heart diseases

Green Tea has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels. The potent antioxidant effects of green tea inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in the arteries. It plays a major contributory role in the formation of atherosclerosis.

3. Green Tea lowers blood pressure.

Green Tea blocks the effects of angiotension-converting enzyme (ACE), an enzyme secreted by the kidneys, which is a significant cause of hypertension. By blocking the effects of ACE, blood pressure is reduced significantly, and with it, the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

4. Green Tea Prevents Tooth Decay

The formation of dental plaque, bacterial colonies that form on tooth surfaces causing tooth decay, has been shown to be inhibited by catechins. Tea has been shown to inhibit Streptococcus mutans, a major bacteria involved with decay. A reduction of the bacterial cell membrane fluidity, induced by the catechins, results in the antiplaque activity. Tea also has been shown to have a positive effect in fighting gum disease.

5. Green Tea inhibits viruses.

Green tea has been known to lower blood sugar levels. It can also kill certain bacterias and is effective against staph. Green tea inhibits several viruses including viral hepatitis. Green tea, via catechins and theaflavins and its gallates, have shown antibacterial properties.

Oolong tea (also known as wulong tea) is allowed to undergo partial oxidation. These teas have a caffeine content between that of green teas and black teas. The flavor of oolong (wulong) teas is typically not as robust as blacks or as subtle as greens, but has its own extremely fragrant and intriguing tones. Oolongs (wulongs) are often compared to the taste and aroma of fresh flowers or fresh fruit.

The following are some benefits of Oolong tea:

1. Oolong Tea may help reduce cholesterol build-up in the bloodstream.

2. Oolong Tea may help burn fat and thus, may contribute to slimming.

3. Oolong Tea can help prevent heart ailments.
4. Oolong Tea can be used for treatment of digestive disorders.
5. Oolong Tea can promote longevity by stimulating bodily functions and strengthening the immune system.
6. Oolong Tea may promote healthier and stronger bones, protecting people from such diseases as osteoporosis.
7. Oolong Tea can also fight against tooth decay.

White teas are the most delicate of all teas. They are appreciated for their subtlety, complexity, and natural sweetness. They are hand processed using the youngest shoots of the tea plant, with no oxidation. When brewed correctly, with a very low temperature and a short steeping time, white teas can produce low amounts of caffeine.

Its benefits are:

1. White Tea may help prevent heart ailments.
2. White Tea can fight stroke by reducing the accumulation of cholesterol in the bloodstream.
3. White Tea can lower blood pressure and improve the function of the arteries.
4. White Tea may help fight cancer by attacking the free radicals that inflict damage in the cellular level.
5. White Tea promotes strong bones.
6. White Tea contains high amounts of anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents thereby promoting general well-being.
7. White Tea promotes healthy teeth and gums.
8. White Tea helps in protecting the skin from damage and may even reverse some of the damage wrought by free radicals.
9. White Tea may reduce blood sugar and help alleviate the symptoms of diabetes.

Pu-erh is an aged black tea from China prized for its medicinal properties and earthy flavor. It is perhaps the most mysterious of all tea. Until 1995 it was illegal to import it into the U.S., and the process of its production is a closely guarded state secret in China. It is very strong with an incredibly deep and rich flavor, and no bitterness, and an element that could best be described as almost peaty in flavor

Pu-erh too has some benefits, such as:

1. Pu-erh tea is known to help lower blood cholesterol levels.
2. Pu-erh tea may help boost the flow of blood and help enhance circulation.
3. Pu-erh tea may help inhibit the formation and growth of cancer cells.
4. Pu-erh tea aids in the proper digestion of food.
5. Pu-erh tea may help invigorate the spleen.
6. Pu-erh tea is known to help break down and thus reduce fat in the system.
7. Pu-erh tea may help remove toxins.
8. Pu-erh tea may help heal aches and pains.

Many thanks for TeaSource and TeaBenefits for the information. *smiles*

So, how about it, everyone? Hope this information can make you love tea more. *grins* Pick your choice, and have their benefits on you.

Stay healthy! *smiles*

A Poetry From My Old-Self

I was visiting my old blog and surprised that it is actually still there. Deciding to read thru the entire blog, I found out this one poem I made up when I was a freshman at highschool. I read it, and, wow, I don't even remember that I've ever made it! And the choices for the word.. Hahahah, never thought I had it in me then, actually.

The poem is in Indonesian, so.. sorry for those who cannot understand. There are plenty of Indonesian translator out there, no? *grins*

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

Bara perih terampung dalam setitik noda

hitam, pekat...

Dendam seorang anak manusia

mengalir dalam pembuluh-pembuluh nadi,

membunuh senyum mengukir derita

mengiringi isak tangis yang terabaikan

Waktu berlalu, roda-roda detik terus berjalan

dengan jerat yang mengekang jiwa,

tak berakal tuk putuskan

berteriak, meraung, menjerit

Ia lelah, terlalu panjang jalan tempuhnya

ia mencari si pendosa, namun sia

terguncang...bahkan hampir kehilangan jiwa

Dendam itu sama sekali tak bergerak

bersembunyi dalam diri dan hati

Diam seorang anak manusia

terdengar bisik manis dalam kalbu

coba hiraukan setan laknat terkutuk yang mempengaruhi

ia ingin kembali suci

terbang dari segala dendam yang mengintai...

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

Hummm, now that I've read it once again, it sounds a bit emo. *sweatdropped* I don't know why but I tend to pick up anything dark for my poem, though I believe I'm far from dark myself (ask my friends, they would say that I'm cheerful indeed! *laughs*).

Well, that's all then. See ya on the next post. *smiles*

Once, When I Was Little

Singer: James Morrison

Songwriters: James Morrison; Martin Terefe; Dan Wilson.

I was the one who would always jump in first

I didn't think twice to look behind

Got such a good feeling just from playing in the dirt

Once when I was little

We could build a rocket, fly to the moon

Leave Tuesday morning, be back for noon

And there wasn't nothing, nothing that we couldn't do

Oh, once when I was little, once when I was little

Yeah, I could dream more then

I could believed more then

That the world could only get better

I could be free more then

I could pretend more then

That this life could only show me good times

Once when I was little

There was a time when I trusted everyone

There was no place that I would not go

Spend all day on the hillside next to the barley mow

Oh, once when I was little, yeah, once when I was little

Yeah, I could dream more then

And I believe more then

That the world could only get better

I could be free more then

I could pretend more then

That this life could only show me good times

Once when I was little

I used to feel so strong

Even when they'd tell me, tell me I was wrong

That I can't live in a magic world

'Cause it's time for me to grow up

And I've got to live like the rest of them

Well, I know things have been lost

Oh, I could pretend more then

And I could believe more then

That the world, it would only get better

Oh, I could believe more then, yes I could

And I could pretend more then

That this life, it could only show me good times

Once when I was little

So here comes the next one, next in line

Stay as young you can, for the longest time

'Cause those days flew by

Like a breeze just passing through

Once when I was little