The Christmas Tag

So I was browsing around (according to The Pillow, browsing around is my favorite pastime), and I read answers of the Christmas Tag on Milk Bubble Tea. It's the end of November (for crying out loud!) and I'm trying to get into the Christmas spirit.

this was my church youth's Christmas Gift Exchange. Theme: Villains of Christmas.

1. What is your favorite Christmas Movie/s?

I have 2! Love Actually (I watch this annually), Bridget Jones's Diary & The Holiday. Rom-Com setting in Christmas season? Yes, please.

2. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

Well, since my family don't really celebrate Christmas, but when I get gifts, I open it whenever, usually in front of the giver.

3. Do you have a favorite Christmas memory?

Not really. Depending on my schedule, I sometimes join my family at Grandma's and we just feast and chit chat and watch TV. Quality time with family are always precious. Also my first Christmas with The Pillow. I was working in Laguna Beach and headed to his apartment for our fun dinner (consist of rice, cucumber and rotisserie chicken. Super fab!). This was in 2010.

4. Favorite festive food?

Baked goods. Any one of them. 

5. Favorite Christmas gift ?

Rob gave me my first jewelry gift, a heart necklace. He's so sweet.

Christmas 2010

6. Favourite Christmas scent?

Cinnamon & Pine!

7. Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?Watching Love Actually under the blanket while drinking something warm... or wine!

8. What tops your tree?None. We haven't had trees since I was a little girl. If I had one, I want bunny ears.

9. As a kid what was the one (crazy, wild, extravagant) gift you always asked for but never received?
Honestly I don't remember. I probably begged for a bike.

10. What's the best part about Christmas for you?Spending time with the people who I care and love deeply. Eating great food while catching up with friends. Being thankful that Jesus was born (even though I don't believe He was born on Dec 25th) to forgive me with my sinful ways of life. Listening to Christmas songs while baking. Giving back. Cuddling.

1 more month til 2015!

- Rima

Thankful

I am thankful for... / Saya bersyukur untuk... / Ich bin dankbar für... 

• My family (Dad, Mum, Otin & Chimmy). Without them, I won't be the person I am today.
• My beloved amazing man, Robert. I won't be the person I am today, seriously. He makes me really happy.
• My job & work family. They brought out the best and worst of me. They taught me how to be true to myself and discover who I really am. A coworker of mine told me today, "Rima, when I'm sick, I want you to be my nurse." I asked why. She said, "Because you are such a nice and amazing nurse."
• My sisters. Without them, I won't have the backbones and supports I need to carry on with life. All 5 of them give me the wisdoms, guidance, and strength to just live. They are my rock.
• My baking talent. It keeps me sane. I find peacefulness when I'm focus in the kitchen. The smile and joy that I see when people consume my baked goods enlightens me.
• Distance. Even though I find it very difficult and tough, the distance that I now have with Rob really challenges our trust, loyalty and love to each other. It makes our relationship really stronger and better than ever.
• The opportunity to travel. The world is such a beautiful place. Coldplay serenades, "We live in a beautiful world. Yeah we do, yeah we do..." I agree 100%. 

• My friends. New and Old. They make my life so colorful. It is so awesome to have friends in many, many places.
• My faith. If it wasn't for my faith, any temptations and tribulations that come my way can destroy me. I may not be the best and perfect SDA out there, but I know what's wrong and what's right. I try not to judge others because that is not my job. God has blessed me with many great things, even I know I don't deserve it.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! I had to work and it was great because us at work decided to do a potluck and celebrated with our work family. 

Stay grateful.

xoxo,

Rima

Long Drive

"Drive a little slower

Not ready to go home

I rather stay with you

We can take the long way out"

Jason Mraz

When I heard this song for the first time, instant nostalgia. 

It reminded me of my early dates with Rob. You know the thrill, our early talks & giggles, flirty smirks, hands "accidentally" brushing each others, you get the gist. Literally every car ride after our dates, I secretly wished it to be longer and longer, I rather spend the time with him rather going home early. 

Then those car rides turned in to road trips, from along California to all over Europe. 

The song is on constant repeat, and I miss him dearly.

Le sigh.

- Rima

When in Holland...

Hello from Zurich! 

It is freezing here (for a SoCal standard) and I am enjoying a cup of tea with shortbread cookies (the diet went to hell today). The Pillow is busy working in the room, so I like to get fat (not sharing the cookies, okay?) and enjoy my peace and quiet near the dinning table by the kitchen (food = rima)

Just wanted to say a quick HELLO and share you a picture of Rob & I in a traditional Dutch clothing. This wasn't the final picture (it was taken on an iPhone) but nevertheless, if you are in Holland, I really recommend doing this. It's just so fun. The girl that took this picture actually did the costume in reverse with her boyfriend. It was epic to see her tatted up boyfriend wearing the dutch cap and skirt. We did ours at the first and original studio that has been doing this since the 1920s, called Fotograaf Zwarthoed. The service was quick (there was a group of 10 before us, then the "reverse" couple, and then us and Snap Snap in 20 minutes), the 2 ladies that work there dressed us up and were prompt & on it (looked like they've been doing this for years) and the photos were ready in 15 minutes. They had a lot of samples all over the studio and funny thing is that I recognized A LOT of famous Indonesians. A lot of Political faces that I remember from my childhood days. 

A little FYI: Indonesia was colonized by the Dutch for 300+ years, hence there were a lot of Indonesians around Holland. And Indonesian food (yaaaaasssss).

Anyways, I hope you have a great Veterans Day week. I salut the troops. I salut the families that are able to stand long distant relationships with the troops (I feel your pain).

Ciao Ciao,

Rima