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

Oh it's just Me

My fellow curly hair bff, Setarra, nominated me {oh schtank you} for a little award called "One Lovely Blog Award. Yay. I get to share to y'all 7 things about me. It will be very random.

1. A coworker of mine called me Ms. Wanderlust. I giggled. Because it's kinda true. Then he said, " Check the bottom of your feet. An old wives tale says that those with wanderlust, have a freckle somewhere on the bottom of their feet." So I did checked my feet.

Uhm... coincidence? Freakiness? SAY WHAT? I was born that way. 

2. I used to play the piano. Took classes from 2nd grade til 9th. I can't play anymore, well kinda do but super stiff, but I can still read the notes. I even accelerated the theory class, skipped a step up after passing a test made by the toughest teacher in the Piano School! #forevermusicnerd

3. The best sandwich was introduced to me by my father when I was young: Toasted bread filled with peanut butter, nutella and banana.

4. I was genuinely sad and upset when John Mayer & Katy Perry broke up for reals.

5. I can't have long nails. They drive me insane. I have eczema so I have to cut them short, or else I will have open sores from all the scratching :/

6. I suck at gambling. I have no luck. Lady Luck doesn't find me hot. So whenever I'm in Vegas, I just watch. I love people watching in Vegas. It's pretty entertaining. Well Vegas in general is entertaining.

7. I always get mistaken for a Latina or Pinay ALL.THE.TIME. But it's okay. I find it entertaining at times :)

Aha. Who knew how hard it was to come out with 7 random things about yourself!

Boom. I nominate: Melissa, Evani, NaNa :)

xoxo,

Rimie