Selamat Hari Jumaat

Assalalamualaikum

Balik kampung: Drive home, drive safely

In about two weeks time, it will be time for Aidil Fitri. It will be time of celebration and balik kampung. Well, we are no exception. For husband and wife who shares home town , it is such a bonus to them since they can spend first day of Aidil Fitri in both places. As for me and others whose hometown is halfway of Peninsular Malaysia, most chosen to drive home. Eventhough we can opt for taking flight, since there is so many things to be packed along, so the choice of driving is more appropriate. Here are 3 tips to ponder if you’re driving more than 3 hours to reach your hometown for celebrating Hari Raya:


1.Check your vehicle
Tyres, check! Engine water , check!Service your car, check!Road tax, check!Licence, check!

Make sure your vehicles are all safe and sound before starting your journey home. And make sure all of your vehicle’s document like road tax, insurance and license are up to date

2.Take turns
You can consider to take turn driving with your partner or family member(that can drive and have license, of course!) if your journey is more than 6 exhausting hours.

3.Rest and relax
If you’re feeling tired and sleepy, pull over to nearest R & R station , gas station or restaurant to rest, and relax to get enough energy to continue driving. Since most of us are driving during this fasting months, must consider to pull over a while , and take a nap. You can opt to drive at night , but the coldness of night time also can make you sleepy. Prepare some grubs to chew on during driving. Your partner can keep awake to accompany you.

As for me, since I’m having a journey from Kluang to Kota Bharu(which will take 12 hours if we drive non-stop), my husband and I have opted to stay overnight in Kuantan which is halfway to Kota Bharu. By tomorrow morning when we continue our journey, the tiredness and sleepiness is all gone and we feel recharged! We always do this since we’re having our daughter. During each balik kampung, we stay in different hotels each time before deciding which is comfortable,affordable and baby/kids -friendly. Kinda adventurous and I even write my personal review for each hotel. Staying overnight to rest and recharge has proven to make our journey less tiring, safer and enjoyable.

Have a safe journey and happy Hari Raya!

From us: Catlinaflybaby
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About the Author

I'm Catlina, a blessed and happy mother of one daughter. I work as a veterinarian and I love photography. I also find happiness in writing. Visit my blog at CatlinaFlyBaby.

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Source:  Mom Bloggers Planet

Integrity - Worth the Effort (By Jeff Davidson and Christie Ray Harrison )

The coach was rewarded for toughing it out. The soccer team, playing in a more difficult division, had a good season. But the best part of the story is what happened on the job: he earned a bonus for outstanding performance!


Historian Arnold Toynbee observes that of 21 notable civilizations, 19 perished "not from external conquest but from the evaporation of belief within." In his address to the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce, Charles H. Brower remarked that, "Today our country still has a choice. I believe it has always begun to make that choice. I believe it is going back to its old beliefs--such things as ideas, pride, patriotism, loyalty, devotion and even hard work." Though those words were spoken over three decades ago, they still ring true today.

Curiously, we discount acts of integrity practiced by others, not believing that they can have done what they've done simply because they thought it to be right. Paradoxically, we're quick to condemn others who vividly display a lack of integrity, all the while overlooking or forgetting our own lapses.

Emily Carruthers was a teacher in an elementary school in Spokane. A dispute between the school administration and the teacher's union surfaced. At a union meeting the teachers discussed striking. After the vote to strike, Carruthers got up and voiced her opinion. She knew her opinion would be unpopular and she knew that she would alienate people because of it. Nevertheless, she told the teachers that she would cross the picket line as she deplores strikes.

What is integrity?

Many things, really. Perhaps it is the pivotal concept of what it means to be human and involves fully accepting one's humanity. Integrity has many synonyms, however, no single synonym is sufficient -- trustworthiness, loyalty, virtue, sincerity, candor, uprightness, honesty. Integrity is also the avoidance of deception and the avoidance of expediency. It is being complete and undivided.

During a bitter cold snap, quick action by concerned neighbors stopped flooding from a burst pipe in an unoccupied house. Early one morning, water was spotted gushing from under the back door of the house. Two neighbors, who had no key, got inside by dismantling a window frame.

They found the entire lower level of the house flooded with two feet of frigid water. The two men ignored the icy geyser spraying from the ruptured pipe and shut off the water line. Using push brooms, they swept the water out the back door. They moved furnishings upstairs to dry out. Then they reassembled the window frame.

Another challenge was notifying the homeowners of the situation. Neighbors knew only that they were visiting relatives in the Miami area. Long distance directory assistance provided a list of a half dozen people with the same Iranian surname. On the second call, the residents were located. Because of the early notification, they were able to expedite the insurance claim. Neighborly resourcefulness and persistence had averted a major household disaster.

Integrity is an achievement, not a gift. It is not the characteristic that determines decisions. It is the summation of the decisions we've made. Integrity communicates to others immediately. It is being the same person to everyone. It's not noble; it's not altruistic; it is a practical vehicle for living effectively, for having life work. It is maintaining values steadfastly and focusing on what you believe is right.

By Jeff Davidson and Christie Ray Harrison
Jeff Davidson is "The Work-Life Balance Expert®," a preeminent time management authority, the author of 56 mainstream books, and an electrifying professional speaker. He is the author of "Breathing Space," "Simpler Living," and the 60 Second Series. Jeff believes career professionals today have a responsibility to achieve their own sense of work-life balance. He supports this through BreathingSpace.com.

Christie Ray Harrison is a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is pursuing a degree in Editing and Graphic Design from the journalism school. She has worked as a public relations management intern and she currently interns for the Breathing Space Institute, where she assists with editing, proofreading, research, online marketing, and social media strategy. More info can be found on christierayharrison.com, or on LinkedIn.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Davidson

A Positive Attitude Changes Everything

Today's Affirmation: I am happy and I share my joy with others.
A positive attitude is an important key to the success of your goals and dreams.
You can overcome any obstacle when you have the right attitude. One simple word for it... happiness!

"Happiness comes from spiritual wealth, not material wealth... Happiness comes from giving, not getting. If we try to bring happiness to others, we cannot stop it from coming to us also. To get joy, we must give it, and to keep joy, we must scatter it." ~John Templeton~

Start every day with a smile and a bright outlook on life.

Don't let anything or anyone discourage you from achieving what you have chosen to accomplish, and don't let fear or anger get in the way. Take on new challenges with the attitude that you gladly can and will do it.

You must be willing to step out of your comfort zone in order to achieve your goals. This can be a scary thing to do. However, if you look at the positive side of every situation and realize that you can overcome fear and anger with a positive attitude... it will be less difficult.

Look fear in the face and fear disappears.

It is not always easy to be happy all of the time, it takes practice.
Start with a smile when you are challenged by something that makes you uncomfortable. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and TRAIN YOUR BRAIN to think of ways to overcome obstacles in an uplifting, positive light.

Get on your happy feet!

Smile a lot. Bring good fortune and success to you by enjoying happiness every moment of every day.

Let's say you don't get along very well with your boss or a co-worker, or you had an argument with your spouse the night before. Try this today... walk in with a cup of coffee, the newspaper, a soft drink, something you know this person likes. Approach them with a big smile on your face and say, "Good morning, how are you today?"

Put the item you brought in down on their desk or table and walk away.
If that person challenges your happy attitude, remember this...
it is important that you don't hold on to negative feelings;
if you take on life with a positive attitude you will be a much happier and successful person in your life;
and learn to let go.

Start off on a new foot and a new day. Do whatever you need to do to rectify the situation and move forward with a positive attitude.

TRAIN YOUR BRAIN to immediately turn your focus on something positive when something negative begins, or when someone negative tries to beat you down.

In order to reach your full potential and achieve your dreams you will have to do things that you don't want to do, things you fear, make you nervous or challenge you. Take action and look forward with great pleasure on these opportunities that will get you closer to accomplishing your goals.

GO FOR YOUR DREAM... don't let your fear and anger stand in the way of your personal growth.

Get happy! Learn to laugh! Bring good things into your life.
Every day I am challenged to maintain a happy attitude. My husband, my children, my work, the dogs, the daily upkeep of my home, etc., all challenge me in different ways to maintain a positive attitude throughout the day.

I learn to ignore situations that are negative. I choose to live with a positive attitude... achieving my goal to maintain happiness at all times.
I refuse to be unhappy!

Negative things, people, whatever unpleasant situation may arise... I practice bringing great things into my life by maintaining a happy attitude and dealing with every day situations positively.

I let the most unimportant things roll off my shoulders.
Life is too short to waste such precious and wonderful moments of the day being miserable.

You can achieve anything you want when you have the right attitude every day of your life! Enjoy a happy, positive attitude and bring great success into your life.

A positive attitude... it changes everything.
Here's to your success, and...

To your dream,

Kimberly

Want to learn more about the positive personal power techniques that will set you free to reach your goals and achieve your dream? Get your FREE copy of The Habits of Achievement today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_Kennedy_Bohannon

The 3 Most Critical Steps For Ethical Leadership

With leadership comes a great responsibility to uphold a standard of integrity regardless of the cost. All too often we see leaders compromise their lifelong forged ethics just to gain the ever fleeting reward of "momentarily getting ahead." This lack of ethical leadership has greatly shaped the values of our society. Albert Einstein said, "Try not to become a man of success; but rather try to become a man of values." John Maxwell coined the well-known phrase, "leadership is influence," and no one would disagree with that statement. But ethical leadership goes much deeper. Ethical leaders don't just influence others; they influence others to do what is right.

As leaders we have a great responsibility to not only do what is right but also influence others to do the same. Temporarily, it may not be easy and most often it doesn't appear to be advantageous, but you must weigh every decision according to the long-term consequences of that decision. Ask yourself: What will it cost me in the long run if I compromise my integrity? What are the negative consequences that come from cutting corners or from cheating my customers? What reputation will I create if I make this decision?

Below I have outlined the three most critical steps to achieve ethical leadership. By following these simple steps, you'll not only establish credibility among your clients, but you'll also outlast your competition. Credibility and longevity are what separate those who "just get by" from those who achieve great success.

1. Hold yourself to a higher standard than is required.
Every failure in life can be traced back to a compromise of character. You must raise your standards and set the example for those who work for you. Don't allow yourself to compromise your integrity, but be resilient to always do what is right.

2. Keep your word.
It doesn't matter what you promise. All that matters is that you do what's been promised. A leader is defined by the quality of his action, not the rambling of his words; therefore make it the rule to always under promise and over perform.

3. Tell the truth and be honest with others.
A simple definition of honesty is: behavior in words and actions that aims to convey the truth. Conversely, dishonesty is a way of speaking or acting that causes people to be misled or deluded. Always consider the interest of others and not just your own. I say it like this: I would rather you hate me for telling you the truth than for you to like me for telling you a lie.

Robb Thompson Coaching was created with you in mind!

Through this dynamic program, you will experience the results you've always wanted. With personal coaching, we look to solve the three most common problems you face as a leader:
1. Imbalance
2. Broken focus
3. Unfulfilled relationships

As a result of going through our personal transformation system, you will walk in freedom and peace in every area of your life, you will become crystal clear about what you want and how to get there, and you'll experience fulfilling and lasting relationships.

Don't miss out on an opportunity of a lifetime. Allow RTI to assist you in achieving your dreams.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robb_Thompson

HOME::Self-Improvement/Time-Management X

How much time do you need for a day? Do you wish to have more time for a day? If you do not have enough time, what would be the best possible problem?

If you want to know a revelation about time, it is this. Everyone, it does not matter if you are a CEO of a listed company or the fellow sweeping the floor, has 24 hours a day.

If a CEO of a listed company has the ability to get so many things done within 24 hours, why can't you? Someone even said, the busiest person on earth actually has time to do everything.
It is all about time management.

Time is very valuable to all of us. It is even more valuable than money. Ask yourself this question. Would it be easier for you to give money or give time? If you need to save the time, you would not mind paying extra for time.

Since time is so valuable to everyone of us, what are the best ways to manage your time? Here are a few things you can do.

Do It Now Procrastination is the number one killer of success. You know you should do it, you know you need to do it but you keep putting it off. "I'll do it later".

When you need to write a 200-page report, you get yourself prepared like cleaning the table, getting a hot coffee, wear the most comfortable shirt, have the best working environment and finally said, "I'll do it tomorrow!".

Does that sound familiar to you? Why is this happening? It is because human being rarely think by logic. They are often driven by emotion.

The difference that makes the successful people to get so many things done is that, they choose to do it anyway. They do feel overwhelmed too but they choose to bring down the great wall and once they have done that, their motivation comes.

Plan Ahead Often when you do not have a plan, you will be driven by unnecessary tasks. This means you will be wasting a lot more time doing things that are not related to the final outcome you desire.

It is like building a house without having a floor plan. You can simply build a house without planning on how you want to have it built. If you do, the chances are you will find a lot of errors and eventually you will spend a lot more time correcting your mistakes.

It is the same in everything that you do in life. Before you start a business, before you market a product or even before you go for a holiday. If it is not planned, the chances are your journey can be adventurous yet time wasting.

Consequence of Not Having Time Management This works really well and this only happens to people who realize that they need more time and improvement. Some people just do not think they need more time.

What did it cost you in the past when you did not plan your time well? Maybe you kept putting an assignment off until the very last minute of the submission date. Maybe you could be thinking there is still a plenty of time left and you do not see the need of starting to work on the project yet.

As a result of it, you did not score in your assignment or your manager rejected the project you have done because it was not of the quality one.

When you know what it has cost you to lose, you will begin to use your time more effectively and eventually you will waste no time in everything that you do.

Discover how you can manage your time like the Great Successful People so that you can achieve much more in a given short period of time. For more articles on Personal Excellence, Motivation, Success and Development, please visit The Excellence Blog of mine.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clement_Chee

Integrity: Doing What is Right BECAUSE It is the Right Thing to Do

Integrity is: Doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do.

Integrity is NOT: simply standing by your own ideals just to be rigid.
The dictionary defines integrity as: Adherence to a strict moral or ethical code.
Adherence to strict moral and ethical reasoning is different than sticking by something you just believe in solidly or choose for you desires. Moral and ethical codes have within them a sense that these ideal transcend individualized agendas and instead are codes which apply to a wider group than just yourself.

Why do I bring up integrity ? Because all to often we get so focused on our own agenda, our own goals that we forget to take time to verify if we are doing "what is right" along the way.

Becoming wealthy can be quite a noble venture-- especially when the one becoming wealthy plans on using that wealth to assist others. But, gaining wealth my dishonesty, or any other means of compromising ones character, does not justify the end result.

An example of living on target for integrity's sake is : Andrew Carnegie. Andrew Carnegie became America's richest immigrated citizen after years and years of hard work. At age 65 he sold his company and devoted his remaining years to giving away his wealth. He funded the building of over 2,000 libraries within the English speaking world. And gave away somewhere close to $350 million total to those needing various forms of assistance.

One reason I like Andrew Carnegie: he was honest about hard work. He was once interviewed and asked if he had ever had a clue his life would turn out the way that it had. His response was something to the effect that had he known all that lay before him -- he might never have been able to get up on any given day. BUT you see-- he did get up. And he did what was before him each and everyday, for the right reasons and to the best of his ability.

Again, integrity means doing the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do.

Some quotes I'd like to share with you on integrity follow:
** The most important persuasion tool you have in your entire arsenal is integrity. ~ Zig Ziglar
** We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence. But they hesitate, waiting for the other fellow to make the first move--and he, in turn, waits for you. ~ Aristotle
** Integrity is not something that grownups have and adolescents can aspire to. Integrity is something that all of us, at all ages, are constantly striving for. ~ Harold Kushner

What are your dreams? How are you going about their achievement? When you come up to the choices and the challenges-- be sure to take the path of integrity. You may get there faster by an alternate route; however, if you take the path of integrity you will like yourself enough to enjoy your dreams once they come true.
Until next time--- all the best,
Kate
About The Author

Kate Hufstetler is a well established business & personal coach who has helped many individuals like yourself to beat "the blues" and gain control over their lives. Her clients come from both the United States and overseas. She offers coaching services via email and phone consultations at flexible timing and financing to meet your every need. Through personal, business, spiritual mentorship, she could help you too! Please visit for available packages within your range: http://www.comedreamwithme.com/start_today.html
Kate@comedreamwithme.com

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Pembangunan Modal Insan Di Malaysia : Analisis Terhadap Gagasan Islam Hadhari

Ditulis oleh Prof. Madya Mohamad Kamil Ab. Majid
Friday, 28 December 2007
Index Artikel

Pembangunan Modal Insan Di Malaysia : Analisis Terhadap Gagasan Islam Hadhari
Halaman 2 , Halaman 3 , Halaman 4 , Halaman 5 , Halaman 6 , Halaman 7 , Halaman 8 , Halaman 9 , Halaman 10 , Halaman 11 , Halaman 12 , Halaman 13 , Halaman 14

Halaman 1 terhadap 14GAGASAN ISLAM HADHARI DI MALAYSIA

Sepanjang sejarah Malaysia daripada era klasik (1400) hingga kepada era selepas merdeka (1960-2000), Islam telah menjadi force utama yang membawa perubahan kepada masyarakat Melayu. Merujuk kepada politik hukum1 dan pengubalan dasar awam di Malaysia2, fungsi Islam ini tidak terhad kepada pengamalan ritual semata-mata tetapi turut menjadi inspirasi and mekanisme utama yang diterapkan ke dalam sesuatu dasar awam. Hal ini antara lainnya boleh dikesan dari pengenalan Dasar Penerapan Nilai-nilai Islam di dalam pentadbiran negara yang kemudiannya diikuti dengan pelbagai program Islamization, yang membuahkan hasil yang cukup memberangsangkan di dalam pelbagai dimensi;

1. penerapan nilai-nilai Islam di dalam jentera pentadbiran kerajaan;3
2. pembaikian terhadap sistem perundangan Negara yang lebih bersesuaian dengan prinsip- prinsip Islam;4
3. Penambahbaikan pelbagai agensi yang berkaitan dengan Islam,5
4. pengubalan dasar pendidikan negara yang lebih bersesuaian dengan semangat Islam6;
5. penerapan nilai-nilai Islam di dalam organisasi politik masyarakat Melayu7;
6. pengenalan dasar domestic and luar negara yang lebih bersimpati dengan masyarakat Islam8
7. penubuhan pelbagai institusi keislaman bentuk baru, seperti Bank Islam, UIAM, Takaful, LUTH and banyak lagi.9

Kejayaan program Islamization yang bersifat holistic ini antara lainnya berpunca dari
(i) keterbukaan dan komitmen pihak kerajaan (actor politik) yang menerima pandangan ataupun desakan daripada NGO Islam dan
(ii) perancangan yang bersistematik yang disusun oleh pihak kerajaan, seperti penubuhan Badan Perunding Islam yang terdiri daripada pelbagai pakar Islam dari dalam and luar negeri.10

Selepas kemenangan majority pihak kerajaan dalam Pilihanraya 2004, sekali lagi slogan and dasar Islam yang mirip kepada dasar Islamization ini telah ditimbulkan, dengan nama Islam Hadhari – yang cuba memperkukuhkan dasar lama dengan pendekatan baru; menerapkan elemen proaktif bagi melahirkan tamadun Malaysia yang lebih berteraskan nilai-nilai Islam.

Sebelumnya - Seterusnya >>

...Maximum Productivity Happens When You Develop Positive Attitudes in Your Human Capital...

Maximum productivity happens when your human capital is working like a finely oiled machine. Yes, knowledge and skills are important. Knowing what to do is critical in today’s highly competitive global marketplace. However, wanting to do is even more critical. For it is the attitudes and habits of your human capital workforce that will either make or break you.
For you to receive the maximum productivity from your employees or your human capital demands that every one of them has the positive attitudes necessary for maximum performance. You can train for knowledge and skills, but it is much harder to train for positive attitudes and habits.

However, you can have positive attitudes and habits when you develop your people through goal setting and self leadership skills. Very few people come to work thinking how can I mess things up. Yet, these same individuals lack the necessary goal setting and self leadership skills to believe in themselves that they can take the right actions to achieve organizational goals.
Take a few moments to think:

Why the majority of your employees were fired? Was it knowledge and skills or attitudes and habits?

Why the majority of your employees are late in arriving to work? Was it knowledge and skills or attitudes and habits?

Why your company goals are not being achieved? Was it knowledge and skills or attitudes and habits?

Why your products or services are reworked? Was it knowledge and skills or attitudes and habits?

If your answers were more attitudes and habits, then what actions have you taken to redevelop these attitudes? Maybe you sent them to more training about knowledge and skills? For the majority of training and development programs do not address the key reasons why productivity suffers – attitudes and habits.

To ensure maximum productivity demands that you must help to develop positive attitudes in your human capital to avoid firing for bad attitudes.

Simply speaking, leaders are readers. If you enjoyed this article, you may find the FREE Leadership Audit of interest at http://www.processspecialist.com/od.htm

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