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Success does not happen in isolation

Posted by Sumayyah Mohd Idris

There was a farmer who grew superior quality, award-winning corn in his farm. Each year, he entered his corn in the state fair where it won honors. & Prizes.

One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learned something interesting about how he grew his corn. The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his seed corn with his friends & farmers...."How can you afford to share your best seed corn with others farmers when they are entering corn in competition with yours each year?" The
reporter asked. "Why sir,

The farmer replied, "Didn't you know? The wind picks up pollen grains from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my friends & farmers grow inferior, sub-standard & poor quality corn, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I have to grow good corn, I must help my farmers to grow good corns."

The farmer gave a superb insight into the connectedness of life. His corn cannot improve unless his friends & farmers corn also improves.
So it is in the other dimensions and areas of life!

Those who choose to be in harmony must help their colleagues & friends to be at peace. Those who choose to live well must help others live well. The value of a life is measured by the lives it touches...

Success does not happen in isolation; it is most often a participatory and collective process. So share the good practices, ideas and new knowledge with your family, friends, colleagues ,team members & all.

As they say: "Success breeds Success."

'' Everyone has beauty, but not everyone sees it........'' Do what you can, for whom you can, with what you have, and where you are !!!!!!!!!

Diet During Pregnancy

Posted by Sumayyah Mohd Idris Labels:

Gaining weight is part of being pregnant (it took me quite a while to really acknowledge this bit of information). In fact, you are not supposed to go on any weight loss program, even for those who are over weight. Pregnancy is just not the time to lose weight! So I would really advise to those who want to lose weight, please do so before getting pregnant bcoz pregnancy is the time where you need to gain (quite a lot of) weight!


Now you do need to be careful of how much weight you gain during pregnancy. Too little or too much weight gain can be harmful to both you and your baby. So it's important to gain the right amount of weight to avoid pregnancy/labor complications. This table summarizes how much weight gain is recommended according to your pre-pregnancy weight:


1 pound = 0.45kg

(Source: MayoClinic.com)



Wondering where all the weight goes? Here's a Pregnancy Weight Gain Estimator tool you can try to see what your weight gain comprises of based on your height and pre-pregnancy weight. Let's see iza's:


(I've gained a total of 13 kg to date, btw!)



Regarding Herbalife, yes I am still consuming Herbalife but not for losing weight (I've been consuming it for 2 years now - wayyy before I was pregnant). Consuming Herbalife during pregnancy is for the nutrition benefits for both mommy and baby bcoz you need to increase your intake of protein, certain vitamins and minerals. Herbalife shake is loaded with protein especially - which is vital for the growth and development of baby, the placenta, aminiotic fluid and also increasing mommy's blood volume. Besides, Herbalife shake ensures that you don't gain excessive amount of weight, which must explains why I manage to stay within the recommended weight range even tho I eat a lot! I can finish up Subway's 1 foot sandwich for lunch, imagine that!

It is recommended for pregnant women to take 6 (small) meals a day.
Here's roughly how iza's daily meal plan looks like:

Breakfast : Herbalife shake
Lunch : Usually rice + lauk2
Mid afternoon snack : Bread/cereal (sometimes I skip this if I have heavy lunch. And I mean really HEAVY, like that foot-long Subway sandwich)
Dinner : Usually rice + lauk2
Midnight snack : Herbalife shake OR bread/cereal


*The gap in between each meal is on average 3 hours. I don't usually eat 6 meals a day tho, bcoz I wake up late! ;p


Extracted from BabyCenter.com a few months back...




Vitamin supplements are essential too and you need to take it without fail, especially folic acid (in the first few months of pregnancy), calcium and iron. I also take 2 cups of Third Trimester Tea a day just to prepare my body for whatever is needed.




It would be great if you could do a simple light exercise. But I don't really exercise tho. The only exercise I do is walking around the mall, 2-3 times a week. Oh, and going up and down the staircase everyday.


Remember, pregnancy is the time when your body demands nutrition the most. Whatever you eat goes directly to your baby. Getting enough nutrition ensures a healthy pregnancy weight gain! ;)


Source:http://thepinkstilettos.blogspot.com/

Seni Menyemai Cinta - Memberi Hadiah

Posted by Sumayyah Mohd Idris

Written by admin
Wednesday, 22 October 2008

ImageDalam dakwah dan juga kehidupan, manusia tidak lepas daripada berinteraksi dan setiap interaksi itu tentunya akan melahirkan sesuatu. Seorang daie di tuntut untuk memaksimakan interaksinya dengan orang lain supaya ianya berhasil untuk memacu dakwah di dalam masyarakat. Hadiah merupakan salah satu seni interaksi yang mampu melahirkan suatu impak yang luar biasa.

Dan terkadang, kita buntu bagaimana cara untuk kita mengenali dan mengetuk pintu hati seseorang? Memberi hadiah adalah satusatu daripada wasilahnya.

Dalam beberapa riwayat, Rasul sangat mendorong agar kaum Muslim saling memberi hadiah, bahkan meskipun hadiah itu secara tampak nilainya kecil. Beliau berkata, “…meski sebuah tungkai kambing.”

Manusia tewas dengan pemberian – Kerana adanya sifat ‘inginkan / meminta’

Kehidupan manusia tak pernah luput dari yang namanya keinginan ataupun meminta. Sedar atau tidak, kita memerlukan orang lain untuk memberi sesuatu yang kita perlukan. Begitulah kehidupan berputar.

Sejak lahir, seorang anak manusia meminta banyak dari ibunya. Mulai dari makanan, minuman, perlindungan, dan belaian kasih sayang. Ungkapan memintanya pun tidak mengenakkan: menangis. Itulah bahasa meminta pertama manusia.

Mungkin, inilah tabiat dasar manusia: selalu meminta. Mulai lahir, masa anak-anak, dewasa, dan akhirnya tua. Lagi-lagi, manusia meminta. Bahkan di akhir hayat pun tangis mengungkapkan bahasa asalnya ketika lahir: meminta. Manusia menangis kerana merasa tidak mampu mengurus dirinya sendiri, menjaga isteri, dan membiayai anak-anak. Ia menangis sebagai ungkapan meminta ke orang lain.

Memberi Hadiah – Mengukuhkan rasa cinta

Dalam satu hadith mursal, Imam Malik di dalam Al-Muwatha’ mengeluarkan hadis dari Atha’ ibn Abdillah al-Khurasani bahwa Rasul saw. juga pernah bersabda:

تَصَافَحُوا يَذْهَبْ الْغِلُّ، وَتَهَادَوْا تَحَابُّوا، وَتَذْهَبْ الشَّحْنَاءُ

Saling berjabat tanganlah kalian, nescaya akan hilang rasa dengki; dan saling memberi hadiahlah kalian, nescaya kalian kalian akan saling mencintai dan akan lenyap rasa permusuhan (HR Malik).

Hadis Malik ini statusnya adalah hadis mursal, karena Atha’ ibn Abdillah al-Khurasani adalah seorang tâbi’în.

Hadiah, mampu menumbuhkan rasa cinta, apabila pemberi memberi dengan ikhlas hati kepada penerima. Dan penerima selalunya akan rasa terhutang budi kepada pemberi, langsung melapangkan dadanya menerima pemberi, membuang rasa benci dan menyemai kasih sayang.

Bahkan hadith lain mengatakan;

« تَهَادَوْا تَحَابُّوا »

“Saling memberi hadiahlah kalian, niscaya kalian saling mencintai” (HR al-Bukhari, al-Baihaqi, Abu Ya’la)

Kisah generasi pertama

Itulah yang pernah terjadi di generasi para sahabat Rasul. Seorang sahabat Anshar pernah menawarkan separuh hartanya kepada Abdurrahman bin Auf. Bahkan, ia siap menceraikan salah seorang isterinya untuk kelak dinikahkan kepada Abdurrahman bin Auf.

Sepertinya si sahabat Anshar menangkap sesuatu yang kurang dari sahabatnya yang ‘terusir’ dari Madinah itu. Kasihan Abdurrahman, ia meninggalkan segala-galanya di Mekah demi menunaikan perintah Rasul untuk berhijrah. Begitulah mungkin yang sempat terpikir sahabat Anshar. Tanpa menunggu diminta, ia langsung menawarkan. Sayangnya, penawarannya yang tulus ditolak Abdurrahman. Sahabat Muhajirin ini tidak mahu menyusahkan tuan rumah. Ia cuma menanyakan tempat di pasar, agar dia boleh berdagang.

Khatimah

Pelbagai manfaat boleh kita peroleh daripada pemberian hadiah;

  1. Membina persepsi yang baik terhadap diri kita
  2. Merapatkan jurang hubungan
  3. Melaksanakan tanggungjawab sosial
  4. Menyemai benih iman dan mendidik berinfak di jalan Allah

Berilah hadiah, tidak kira sebesar manapun materialnuya, yang penting ianya datang dari hati yang penuh ikhlas.

Mudahan infak yang keluar dari poket seorang mukmin, menjadi seperti apa yang di umpamakan Allah iaitu, diumpamakan seperti benih. Dari benih itu menjadi pohon kebaikan yang tumbuh besar dan akhirnya berbuah.

Maha Benar Allah swt. dalam firman-Nya di surah Al-Baqarah ayat 261, “Perumpamaan (nafkah yang dikeluarkan oleh) orang-orang yang menafkahkan hartanya di jalan Allah adalah serupa dengan sebutir benih yang menumbuhkan tujuh bulir. Pada tiap bulir: seratus biji. Allah melipatgandakan (ganjaran) bagi siapa yang Dia kehendaki. Dan Allah Maha Luas (kurnia-Nya) lagi Maha Mengetahui.

Allah swt. berfirman, “…Dan siapa yang dipelihara dari kekikiran dirinya, mereka itulah orang-orang yang beruntung.” (Al-Hasyr: 9)


Top 10 Eating Tips to Stay Energized All Day

Posted by Sumayyah Mohd Idris Labels:

1. Start the day right. Yes, that means breakfast. Combine a whole grain with fruit, skim dairy, or soy milk, and even add some lean protein to the mix to sustain energy levels throughout the morning. Cooked oatmeal with yogurt and a banana or Lite Mueslix with soy milk and blueberries are good choices.

2. Have a mid-morning snack. Combine a protein and a carbohydrate. It is fine to be hungry mid-morning, so honor your hunger and give your body fuel when it is asking for it. Try yogurt with a peach, low fat string cheese with an apple, or cottage cheese and grapes.

3. Eat lunch on time. Don't push back lunch until you are ravenous. Instead, eat your mid-day fuel right on time to keep your blood glucose levels nice and steady.

4. Boost your mental energy. Nature's nutrition for the brain are omega-3 fatty acids. Add light tuna or salmon to your lunchtime food choices, in addition to walnuts, tofu, and canola oil. Healthy fat keep you feeling full for a longer period of time, so add small amounts to meals and snacks. Some good choices include avocado and almonds.

5. Start the day with moderate caffeine levels and keep caffeine intake modest. While it does increase mental energy, too much caffeine may lead to energy highs and then lows, and it can interferes with quality sleep.

6. Limit processed foods high in sugar. Avoid the office candy jar, treats, and vending machine whenever possible. Processed foods do not provide sustained energy and can result in low-energy moments during the day.

7. Consume foods high in folate. Higher levels of blood folate have been associated with faster and better thought processing. Good sources include lentils, chickpeas, black beans, asparagus, broccoli, avocado, and orange juice. Also important are vitamins B6, found in bananas and spinach, and B12, found in lean proteins and skim dairy products.

8. Have an afternoon snack. If dinner is late or if you have an evening workout scheduled, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat yogurt provide energizing carbohydrate.

9. Consume complex carbohydrates that contain fiber. The fiber allows the carbohydrates to be released more slowly, providing sustained energy. Opt for whole grain bread, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, and whole grain cereals.

10. Stay hydrated. About two-thirds of our body is water, and dehydration can contribute to reduced energy levels. About 80% of the fluid we consume comes from the fluids we drink, and the other 20% comes from foods. Always drink when you are thirsty, and have water available during the day to hydrate regularly.

source: Good Food

9 Fat-Burning Eating Tips

Posted by Sumayyah Mohd Idris Labels:

LEAN PROTEIN
To put it simply, protein takes a lot of effort for the body to break down and digest. A lot more than, say, fat. So while your body is working hard to process that protein, you're burning calories. HG tip -- eat fish! Chances are you're not getting enough of it. Not only is fish a fabulous source of lean protein, BUT many types are full of those Omega-3 fatty acids you're always hearing about. Beans are also a wonderful source of protein. And it's no secret how we feel about our friend the soybean. (Let's have a cheer for veggie patties and soy-meats!)

WHOLE GRAINS
Belly fat is not particularly cute on anyone (except maybe babies), so it's exciting news that whole grains can do a number on that stubborn flab around your midsection. One of the easiest ways to get whole grains into your diet? Oatmeal in the morning. Quaker's Simple Harvest Multigrain Hot Cereal is really good and just full of grains. Also, Kashi GoLean's Hot Cereal packs in 7 whole grains and a big 5 - 7g fiber! Mmmmm...

GRAPEFRUIT
Ever since you were a kid popping Flintstones Chewables, you've known that Vitamin C is good for you -- and that certainly hasn't changed. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant AND has been shown in studies to help burn fat. So, if you're looking for a snack, how's about a nice, juicy grapefruit? The theory is that grapefruit helps to lower insulin levels, which keeps you from being hungry all the time! We know it smacks of classic diet food, but those Ruby Reds are MIGHTY delicious! If it's too sour for you straight, sprinkle it with some no-calorie sweetener like Splenda or stevia.

GREEN TEA
Green tea is EVERYWHERE. It's been classified as a "superfood" as it's been linked to reduced rates of heart disease and cancer. And now it helps us lose weight too? Green tea has been shown to raise our metabolism, which is key in our battle with the bad stuff. Researchers also suspect that substances called polyphenols combined with caffeine are responsible for its fat-burning properties. If the hot murky stuff doesn't do it for you, try HG's Green Tea Crème Swappuccino! Only 75 calories and SO GOOD!



SPICY FOODS
You know how when you eat spicy foods, you sometimes start to sweat a little (ew)? That's because it's given a little kick to your heart rate. These little kicks will result in a temporary increase in your metabolism, which will help you burn fat a little easier for a bit. A quick hit with cayenne, red pepper flakes, or whatever hot sauce you fancy should do the trick and get your blood pumping. And these spices are practically calorie-free. Yes!

LIGHT DAIRY
Hey, dairy queens! Good news! It turns out that people who eat low-fat or fat-free dairy lose MORE weight than people who don't. Sure we mentioned protein before, but it bears bringing up again since the magical combo of calcium and protein seems to work wonders. We're WAY into yogurt, so we suggest picking up some Fage Total 0% Greek Yogurt and mixing in your favorite fruits, sugar-free preserves... or whatever! Also, light string cheese is a GREAT little snack, with only around 50-60 calories and 2.5g fat a pop. Not bad for hard cheese, people.

WATER
Experts say it's important to drink lots of water if you're trying to burn fat Your body can't work effectively if it's dehydrated -- not only will you FEEL like you don't have any energy, but also your body really won't have what it needs to function and burn off fat. Keep that machine humming -- drink around 8 glasses of water a day!

CINNAMON
Sure this stuff tastes good -- that's why it's found in SO many things. But those chefs might not know that their sprinkling of cinnamon is helping the body process sugar more effectively and lower blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can lead to the body storing more fat, so maybe put together a little shaker of cinnamon and Splenda to sprinkle on your favorite foods! Then whip up some fat-burning cinnamon toast by using your new concoction on whole-wheat bread!


APPLES
An apple a day isn't going to keep the gym away, but it'll probably make your diet plan more effective. Word on the street is that the pectin contained in apples limits how much fat your cells can absorb. (SWEET!) Plus it's a naturally soluble fiber, which is always good. So next time you feel all snacky, grab whichever apple looks best to you (we love Fujis!).

Hungry for More?


source: Hungry Girl



Inspiration

Posted by Sumayyah Mohd Idris

Gabriel Walter was born in Kuching, Malaysia, in 1977. He received the B.S, M.S, and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign (UIUC), Urbana, IL, in 1998, 2001, and 2003, respectively. His doctoral advisor, Professor Nick Holonyak Jr., widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of the optoelectronic industry, is the inventor of the first practical Light Emitting Diode (LED) and visible laser, and is one of only 14 Americans to have won both the prestigious National Medal of Science (1990) and the National Medal of Technology (2002). Dr. Gabriel Walter is the 60th and last student of Prof. Nick Holonyak.

Dr. Gabriel Walter is currently a Senior Research Scientist at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and continues his research with Prof. Holonyak. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of Quantum Electro Opto Systems Sdn. Bhd., an optoelectronic start-up company founded along with Prof. Nick Holonyak Jr. and Prof. Milton Feng, based in Melaka, Malaysia.

His research interest include III–V quantum-well and quantum-dot-coupled to quantum-well lasers and transistor lasers, and long-term radioisotope power sources. He co-developed the first quantum-dot-coupled-to-quantum-well lasers to demonstrate the first room temperature operation of single quantum dot layer laser at both the visible (600 to 670 nm) and infrared wavelengths (960 to 1100 nm). Along with Prof. N. Holonyak Jr., Prof. M. Feng and Researcher R. Chan, he invented the world’s first transistor laser. By incorporating quantum wells into the active region of a light-emitting transistor, they enhanced the electrical and optical properties, making possible stimulated emission and transistor laser operation and new opportunities in high-speed optoelectronics and integrated circuits.

His work has resulted in more than 36 peer-reviewed journal papers and 2 patents (6 pending). In 2003, Dr. Walter received the Outstanding Contractor Award from the DARPA Bio-Optoelectronic Sensor System (BOSS) Center. Dr. Gabriel Walter is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).

For more: Prof Nick Holonyak, Inventors Hall of Fame, Nick Holonyak, Holonyak's Biodata, Holonyak's achievements & i luv this too;)