Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from us, Rima & Rob. 

And we love cheese.

xoxo.

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

LDR

So when I saw this someecard the other day last week, I chuckled (well Facetime to be exact). Because this would be my life for the next year or so. 

The Pillow has officially left the country. It was a sad day for me this past Saturday. Or actually started on Friday. I spent time in OC to finalized his packing, emptied out his room, said goodbye to his roommate, Dave and actually sold his car. We went to CarMax (best decision ever. Painless!) and I can tell from his eyes that he was sad to see his first car go (who he named Anna). He got kinda sentimental there, and I could tell that the move is hitting him hard. Last week staring the weekend was like a "farewell" week. We had dinner with my family one night, followed with his cousins, then the rest of the work week, he had dinners/happy hours with his work buddies. But I felt his sadness (he doesn't really show his sadness much) this Friday when we parted with Anna. 

One thing that I will miss for sure is this. Holding hands in the car. It's this little thing that he does when we're on the road. He sometimes randomly kisses it. I just feel the sense of closeness when he does it. 

Another one is this. Being silly and taking weird selfies while he is asleep. He hates when I do this. He hates it more if I share it to the world. Tee hee... but I can't help it. 

So after going to church and saying bye to some of the members, we loaded up the car and head to LAX. My chest felt heavy. I really just wanted him to stay. But I know that wasn't possible. After checking in, we walked towards the gate and said our "see you later". He said, "you're not going to cry right?" By that time, my eyes were getting watery. And he gave me a big hug & a kiss. I just quickly said, "Bye..." and walked away. By that time, tears were rollin'. I didn't even look back. Right when I got in to the car I texted him saying that I want it to be brief because if it wasn't, I would've probably hugged him to the point of not letting go with full on snot face. So I cried a little bit more in the car, drove to McDonald's and had some fried. McD fries heals temporary pain #truestory

Then of course Supermoon decided to show up over the weekend. I love Full Moons so if only I was able to enjoy it with Rob. So instead, as usual, I say a prayer. I prayed for him and I. I prayed that this LDR will be a great thing for our relationship. To strengthen our bond. We're strong, but I desire to be stronger. I prayed that he will be okay there, especially when he barely knows anyone besides some coworkers. I prayed for his health, since I'm not there to take care of him. I prayed for him to still be awesome. I prayed. 

So today is Day 2. I have his old college t-shirt next to me. I do miss him. Thank God for Facetime. We set a Facetime date (9PM here, 6AM there) to do every day. WhatsApp/Voxer & Facetime will be our BFF.

Have you dealt with LDR? Any tips/suggestions? #TheStruggleIsReal

xoxo, Rima

Oh the Essentials...

Ok. Let's say shit just happen and you need to grab 5 things! Like right now, right now!!! What would you grab?

5 essentials by natziepatzie featuring a bread basket

Funny how I have a basket of bread in it. 

For sure I would grab:

• My glasses. I really can not see without my glasses. I hate seeing blurry and it bothers me if I go out wearing contact lenses and not having my glasses in my purse. I know by the end of the day my eyes will get sooo tired, it's so annoying. Glasses is a must for me.
• A sweater/hoodie. I get cold easily. Sometimes I think 70F is cold and it's a sweater weather. Seriously. I try to have at least one or two sweater/hoodie in my car and usually carry one (or a light cardigan) when I'm out with Rob. 
• My Birkenstock. The Good Lord above has been nice to me by whispering in my ear about Birkenstock (I'm being weird, really). I suffered from plantar fasciitis for quite some time and it's painfully annoying. I've been trying different shoes and sandals with no luck. Til I decided to get a pair of Birks. Oh dear Lord I was happy. My feet was in feet heaven for being pain free. I wore that sucker up and down Maui and Brazil. And it still looks nice. That thing is solid. I'm glad that it's becoming a new fashion trend (with a lot of companies doing their "mock" version of Birks). People at work teased me by calling me a hippie when I wear it. I swear I was a hippie in my past life.
• My Samsung S5. This phone is the ish. It works as a phone, messenger, camera, music player, video player, flash light, calendar, alarm... you name it. The perfect all in one.
• Bread. Y'all know I'm a baker and my favorite thing to bake is bread. If shit happens, I'm gonna grab all the bread that's at home. Seriously. This girl can live off of bread. 

So if you need to send me a care package, let's say, when I get stranded in an island, these would be my essentials (please double on the bread).

Speaking of packages, have you ever had a hard time creating a gift package for that special Man in your life? I do. I have the hardest time getting Rob a gift. I usually give up and just bluntly ask him "what do you want for your birthday?" And annoyingly he would say, "Surprise me!" Fuck.

Then comes ManCrates. It's a website where they have "crates" filled with gifts specifically for men. Hallelujah. Literally, the gifts come in a crate box, complete with a crowbar. How legit is that? I'm actually wanting to get a crate for my bro. 

 

I think the Bro would love it. I probably gonna get one for Rob for his birthday (GO PACK GO!)

Some of my favorites are the Personalized Barware, Zombie Annihilation, Coffee Ammo Can, & New Dad Tactical Bag. 

Seriously, this is like the best BRO/DUDE gift ever. Even I want one. 

So what are your essentials? 

xoxo, Rima

ps: I was approached by the nice people of ManCrates.com and am not compensated for this. All opinions are solely mine. Actually I am glad that they approached me because now I have a place to go and get gifts for the men in my life!!!!

Don't Try So Hard

Of course by now y'all know that infamous Try video clip by Colbie Caillat. The moment I hit play and listen to her beautiful voice, I was filled with all of these emotions when I listened to the lyrics and saw the video. At the end, I was in tears. 

I was diagnosed with vitiligo when I was in 5th grade. I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was in 5th grade. I start wearing glasses in 5th grade. I start having bad zits in 5th grade. 

Pretty much 5th grade was the turning point.

But I am pretty much one of those kids that don't really care about my appearance... even up until High School. I had friends who cared about me the way I look. The way I was/am. 

Unfortunately someone in the close started bringing up my flaws. 

"Let's find a great make-up line to cover your vitiligo"

"Stand up straight so you look taller"

"I hope one day someone will love you/marry you even though you have those white spots in your skin"

"Put some make up on so people don't stare at your white spots"

The lists goes on and on...

My vitiligo gotten worse during college. I started to get more self-conscious. I had years of trials and errors finding the right hue of foundation to cover up my white spots. I always feel like people are staring at me all the time because of my vit. 

I spent years during my teens and college years never swim in public pools or beaches. I just stay on the side, just getting my feet wet, wearing clothes that cover my blotches. I was afraid for being judged as a freak. 

When my last relationship before Rob ended, that person said, "I hope he didn't break up with you because of your skin"

I felt humiliated and insulted.

Until I started dating Rob. I decided to be honest and told him in the beginning of our relationship that I have vitiligo. He didn't seem to care. He never brought up my skin condition. He never made fun of me or tell me that I need to put some make up on to cover it up. 

All he said was, "It doesn't bother me. All I want is for you to be happy."

He actually asked me what do I wear big glasses because it's nerdy. He made me laugh and I said, "Nerdy is my style"

I asked about my skin condition a couple of times during our relationship. I even asked, "Do you love me even though I have these weird spots on my body?" And he said, "Of course I love you. Why do you even asked?"

And yes, that's why I'm with him. That's why I love him. He loves me the way I am. 

And that's when I started to not really care what others think.

I slowly stop wearing my cover up make up (only wearing it when I'm going to church or important events. Indonesians are very nosey & it gets annoying). I started swimming in public wearing a bathing suit/bikini. On days off, I just bare face and hit my local Fresh & Easy market in a messy bun. On work days, I just wear my usual Mac powder, eyeliner and mascara & lip balm. Simple and sweet. No cover up make up. 

And with this heavy load of my chest, I feel free. I feel liberated. I feel happy. I feel like being the Real Me.

With my spots showing, I actually started educating people when they ask. I had patients who has vitiligo without knowing what it is asked me about it. I am now proud of my white spots. They are part of me. They are me.

Funny thing is that thanks to social media (esp. Instagram), I feel more empowered and proud to share and educate people around me about vitiligo. I follow several instagram users/groups and see how I am not alone. All of these beautiful people with vitiligo are out there & live normal lives. And I know one particular model right now is totally rocking her vit, Winnie Harlow. She is bringing vitiligo out there and making it gosh-smacking-known to the public eye. Oh and of course the beloved late Michael Jackson (there are actually many more celebs with vitiligo)

If it wasn't for Rob, I would probably still be shy, embarrassed, even ashamed about myself. To have someone who loves you just the way you are is a huge blessing. Not only that, I have friends, family and coworkers who look beyond my white patches and just literally love me the way I am. 

Hence, I'm not trying so hard anymore.

xoxo,

Rima

So...

Remember that little poem I did a while back?

I do have an exciting, nerve wracking, kinda sad yet happy news...

See the picture above?

Zurich Apartments.

The Pillow forwarded me the above email because he is moving to Zurich, Switzerland!!! In 2 weeks...

Which means... This little Bolu girl of yours will be moving to Switzerland too :)

But not until next year :(

Which means the dreaded long distance relationship. #wompwomp

I did LDR a long time ago and it was hard. But then again that's when I was still in High School. Fast forward a billion years later, I think I can handle that. The good thing is that either one of us will be flying in/out to see each other. I will probably be heading to Swiss in September/October to see him and check out our future apartment :)

Can you imagine? Me in Switzerland? I get to pursue my dream to become a Professional Yodeler and Yodel around the Alps. Jk.

Well, this past World Cup pilgrimage with Rob in Brazil was our 3 year celebration and a mini See-You-Later kinda trip. He is currently in Zurich and won't be back til Sunday. Even so I won't be able to see him til next weekend :( then after that he leaves the weekend after. 

So this year will be a challenging one. I can see lots of travel in the near future, but I would rather be right next to my boo any given day.

ZOMG, I'm going to be an Expat! 

xoxo,

Rima

a poem

oh i got news for you.

it's exciting.

it's scary.

it's kinda driving me crazy.

it's gonna be challenging.

it's a huge step.

it's kinda out there already...

but i will 

tell you

once i get back 

from brazil.

- rima

Good Ol' Bronchitis

When you hear Bronchitis, what's the first thing that pops up your head?

For me it's Ms. Sweet Brown...

So I got Bronchitis. Good Ol' Bronchitis.

I have been fighting this sore throat for a week til last Friday I coughed my lungs out at work & almost choked. My coworkers were like, "RIMA ARE YOU OKAAAAY?" I couldn't even talk, I was like,

and I had to call of for work the next day. Have you ever coughed to the point of vomiting? Yes that was me. Horrible. EVERY.SINGLE.NIGHT. I couldn't sleep at night. Horrible.

So I went to the Urgent Care after a whole day of watching World Cup (GO ARGENTINA GO!) and I was diagnosed with Bronchitis. Grrr. After a gagging Throat Swab, I was glad to found out I'm negative of Strep Throat. The Doc gave me a cough medication ("Oh it's Non-Narcotic, okay?" - do I look like I want NARCOTICS??!!) that actually hasn't been helping me at all. I'm still coughing up all night to tears. Horrible.

The Pillow was here over the weekend, and I'm hoping I'm not being all Oprah and giving him my cold. I told him to take them Airborne and go  ham on it. Well not really.

Despite this whole illness, the positive side of this Bronchitis is that I have that sexy voice that Phoebe Buffay has when she had the cold.

Now I need to get better for my upcoming vacation. MUST.GET.BETTER.

Please don't get sick, people. It's not fun.

xoxo,

Rima

So this is a Travel Dilemma...

As the World Cup is approaching later on today (can't wait!), I'm stuck with a dilemma. 

Travel plans have been finalized, plane tickets booked, hotels are all set... except for one. 

I have one day alone in Sao Paolo. Actually a day and a half. Alone. All by myself. The Pillow has to fly out a day early to Switzerland, leaving poor little Rima stranded alone in Brazil. To be honest I let out a small panicked squeal when I heard about the change of plan. I need to find a place to stay for a night.

The dilemma is... Where should I stay?

A hotel? (read: a trust worthy, franchise, possible fancy hotel)

Rent a room through AirBnb?

Sleep with strangers in a Hostel?

Or, couchsurfing at a local's living room?

Let's weigh in the pros and cons.

Hotel

Pro: Safe. Free WiFi. Comfy bed. Guaranteed hot water showers. Swimming Pool. Room Service. View of the City. People that speak English. 

Level of Privacy: HIGH.

Cons: Expensive. Less personal experience for me, with a high chance of laziness to explore the city (possible due to fear)

AirBnb

Pros: Cheaper than a hotel. Most likely safe. Free WiFi. Get travel pointers from Hosts. Make friends with Hosts. Reasonable bed. 

Level of Privacy: MEDIUM

Cons: You're staying in someone's private residence. Possibility of sharing the bathroom. Possible language barrier. Possible mean Hosts turn Serial Killer.

Hostels

Pro: Cheaper than hotel/AirBnb. Meeting new people from all over the world. Getting travel pointers from longterm nomads. Free WiFi. Fun vibe. Most likely free breakfast. Guaranteed Unique Experience. Chances of Party: HIGH. 

Level of Privacy: LOW

Cons: Shared room. Shared bathroom. No room to freely fart. Possible noisy roommate. Stiff beds. Possible Curfew. No 24 hour Staff. Risk of Theft is high. 

Couchsurfing

Pro: FREE. Live with the locals. Getting great tips from the host (aka free tour guide). Guaranteed Unique Experience. New BFF for life in a new place.

Level of Privacy: LOW

Cons: Must try to fit in with host. Sleeping on couch. Must bring own towel (possible blanket). Language Barrier. Rather stay with a Female Host. 

It all comes down to my level of comfort.

Am I willing to step out of my comfort zone and stay at a hostel?

Am I willing to risk it all and stay for free on someone's couch?

Should I just pay a little bit yet still get a taste of the local environment by renting a room?

Or should I just splurge and pay a good sum of money for the sake of my own privacy & comfort?

Decisions... Decisions...

What would you do?

xo, Rima

Friendship Never Ends

The month of May is always special for me... actually for the 6 of us. For my sisterhood.

This past May 13th we celebrated 19 years of friendship, or better yet, being sisters.

Since our last reunion, we haven't yet been in the same room. The max is probably 4 out of 6. Now there are 4 of us in California, it's kinda nice for us Cali-Sisters, since we're only a drive away. 

We discussed about another reunion since last year to celebrate our 19th anniversary, and this time we decided to meet up in Scottsdale, AZ. It was road trips and a plane ride for all 6 of us... along with our significant others and kids (and a brother). The whole weekend was filled with joy, blessings, laughters,  catching up, crying babies, playing the Mafia game and horrible 90s Boyband karaoke. 

(photo c/o Vino/Rio)

From the oldest to the youngest: Jeje, Nia, Icha, Me, Dinda & Ocha

We all have withdrawals from this epic weekend and already in talks about our next reunion. I am completely blessed to have these 5 girls in my life. I am also glad that all of our significant others also get along so well. 

Phil 1:3-4

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.

Now, girls, let's plan our next trip so Dinda can be Mafia again, ok?

xoxo,

Rima

Oh How I Love Ethnic Weddings

I had some fun times over the weekend. Months ago Rob told me that we're going to a wedding of his co-worker. His co-worker is Lebanese/Iraqi, so I was like, "yay! A non-Indo wedding for a change!" With my cultural background, I'm used to going to ethnic weddings. Heck, I love going to weddings. HECK, I LOVE going to NON-SDA weddings!!!! Why? Unlimited bottles of wine! Serve me up!

The wedding was held at a beautiful gothic cathedral in Pasadena. I've never known that they have churches like that in California. I whispered to Rob, "dude, it's just like the cathedrals in Barcelona!" And suddenly we both miss Barcelona *le sigh*

Anyways, the wedding ceremony was simple and sweet. Mind you, quick too! 30 minute tops. I was impressed. That's how ceremonies should be, in my opinion. The couple in front of us said, "Wow. I'm impressed, usually Middle Eastern weddings are an hour and a half!" I said, "Oh Indonesians too!" Oh plus I semi-swooned when the groom's sibling sang "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri for the Candle Union. Why? That's our song for 2014. Yup we are cheesy like that. So automatically I sang... in silence. Didn't want to ruin the moment, ya know?

This is our pre-Wine faces.

The reception was held at this banquet restaurant in Glendale, which served us some amazing Middle Eastern food. The decor was simple yet beautiful because the banquet room alone was gorgeous! We were greeted with a table full of food. Mmm... grape leaves.

So while eating them appetizers, stuffing my face with hummus, we waited for the Bride & Groom to come. Then the DJ started the music and the bridal party came in... followed by the Bride & Groom... with a drum guy! YAAAAAASSSSS, the little Middle Eastern in my rejoices. Rob looked surprised and excited... this is his first Middle Eastern wedding. Then the Arabic songs start playing and the bridal party started to dance around the happy couple... and lifted them up on chairs. It was so fun. I couldn't help but shaking my booty. Well, we eventually got pulled and started dancing too around the couple. 

First dance was adorbs!

Then... the wedding got better. The bride is Hispanic. Hence... THERE WAS A MEXICAN BAND IN THE WEDDING! YAAAAAAASSSSSS... I was soooo excited. I told Rob, "ZOMG. I've been wanting to go to a Hispanic wedding! This is awesome!" Of course, more dancing to follow. #untzuntzuntz

shake it!

This is our Post-Wine faces.

Thank you Sam & Lili for inviting us to your beautiful wedding. I am so happy for both of you and may God continue to bless your new family with lots of love & happiness and babies. A Middle Eastern/Hispanic baby? I can't handle it. Too cute. And yes we should have a double date!

Oh and I did felt the presence of God thru the amount of love that was shown between both families. #canthandleit #itwasawesome

(sorry for the hashtags. #canthelpit)

xoxo,

Rima

Coachella (in pictures)

I'm still having Coachella withdrawals... so are my friends... well maybe except the Pillow. He's busy in Switzerland... but I'm pretty sure he is still listening Martin Garrix non-stop. Oh my love.

Looking at these pictures lets me reminisce the fun times I had during this 3-day festival. The actual festivity made me forget about the housing drama that occurred earlier on Day 1. I warn you, booking a house from Craigslist is a NO-NO. I was so naive to trust this fucker who scammed me. Anyways, long story short, we stayed at a nice hotel where we met Martin Garrix, clueless Rob met Zedd while checking in & Alessandra Ambrosio while enjoying the pool, we all enjoyed the noise of my brother's snoring, we killed 2 dozens of ramen noodle that was made with a Keurig machine, ate endless of PB&J and had the convenience of the shuttle bus in front of the hotel. I guess misfortunes can have a positive light to it... Except my bank account. Well then, Memories are Priceless.

Day 1

Saw/Listened: Aloe Blacc, AFI, Ellie Goulding, Chromeo, The Glitch Mob, Martin Garrix, Zedd, Outkast

 Aloe Blacc

Me and my bro. We haven't been to a music festival in a long time. The last time was probably Warped Tour years ago.

 Ellie Goulding

Giddy seeing Zedd.

Day 2

Saw/Listened: Kid Cudi, MGMT, Lorde, Sleigh Bells, Pharrell Williams, Muse

 Brotherly love?

 JAY Z!!!!!!!!!

Pharrell's show made me happy

 Day 3

Saw/Listened: Krewella, some DJ at the Do Lab, Calvin Harris, Beck, Duck Sauce

LOL. This was the aftermath from the jumping pose Rob did.

 The girls next to Gaby, my brother's girlfriend, were snorting coke and smoking weed out of an Apple. Sad. 

 Calvin Harris!

 Duck Sauce

Thank you for my lovies for coming along and enjoying Coachella with me. Till next year.

xoxo, Rima