Goodbye 2016, Hello 2017

It's that time of the year again where I do a quick summary of the year that has passed.

2016 was definitely a great year to remember because it was the year Jhon and I got married. If you've been following up, my blog was filled 98% of nothing but wedding related stuff even after our wedding on April because of reviews and such.

Sure, 2016 has it's ups and downs but it was a year with mostly ups and I am forever grateful with that.



There were a few other things that had happened in the year but these are the highlights of mine.
The year had started with our pre-wedding photoshoot, welcomed a new member of the family and I nursed and fell in love with a bird.

I turned 32 which was cool since aging never perturbs me, at least not mentally or emotionally.

Soon after that, our families officially met up for the first time which of course, lead to our wedding. We had more family bonding with the entire family and sight-seeing with the Tolentinos before sending them off to the Phillippines.

We spent almost a week at Cambodia which was amazing as we climbed the temples and soaked at the beach. We managed to squeezed in some of our normal routines of firework and picnics and concerts after celebrating Jhon's 34th birthday at Batam.

I know 2016 was terrible for the world 'out there' but for my little own world, for the first time in many years, I can happily say that it's pretty much awesome. I hope it will continue on to the years to come. I hope you had a great year too and even if it's not, I hope it had made you grew wiser.

Happy New Year, everyone!

   

Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016

See lah, I was so engrossed with my wedding stuff until I forgot my obligatory end of the year goodbye post.

2015 has been a fruitful year for me and this blog. Don't get me wrong, there were the usual breakdowns here and there but generally, I am surely blessed. Since the start of the year, Jhon and I had officially set our wedding day and through out the year was all about wedding planning. 

Yeah, basically, 2015 revolves around my relationship with Jhon. The planning, the appointments and whole chapter of just wedding planning and cultures. My blog has suddenly turned into a wedding blog with random outings here and there. Some may hate wedding planning but I've thoroughly enjoyed it. Sure there were a couple of hurdles but faith made us confident that everything will be fine and it did.

Despite the busy year, I am grateful we still had time for random outings and the yearly short getaways Kak Yana generously planned. I also ventured my passion for vlogging. Just like how blogging started for me, it was never for the views. I just love doing it. It was almost an addiction, a passion I wished I had pursued when I was younger. 

Jhon and I celebrated our 8 years together and he had officially embraced Islam. Ever since we are more determined than ever to strengthen our knowledge.

I turned 31 and although most women would cringe at that number, I am actually proud of how I have progressed, internally. I still have kinks but I am matured enough to keep myself in check. It's too easy to judge people, too easy to have an 'opinion'. It takes a lot of practice to control that habit that practically every human being has.

Until April 2016, it will be the final leg of the wedding hoo-hah and the beginning of another chapter. Truthfully, I am excited, nervous and scared for 2016 which a first for a new year. I will be embarking something new with it's own set of roller-coasters.

Am I ready?
Do I have choice since I'm already buckled to the seat and climbing up the track?

Happy new year, everyone!


   

Goodbye 2014

I wouldn't say 2014 was a fantastic year nor it was a terrible year. I suppose I could call it the right in between year which I can't complain.

I've lost my last grandparent and had participated in 'mandi jenazah' for the first time. I've been blogging more about wedding stuff, had standard family outings and many special outings with Jhon. Like I said, in between.

[Pictures consolidated over the year]

For what it's worth, I am still very grateful for the year that has been gifted to me. I just hope it's not the calm before the storm because I could tell 2015 would be an interesting ride. All I know is that I am ending this year with no regrets and I am so thankful Jhon and I are ending the year with a great surprise.
    

Goodbye 2013

Happy New Year, Everyone!

Commencing end of the year post.

2013 has definitely been interesting. As usual, has it's ups and down but it's a year whereby I had met with 2 crossroads in terms of love life and work life that is life changing which is worth mentioning.

Jhon and I has finally made it official that we will be embarking towards a marriage after 6 years together. Milestones to the destination has been slowly passed and hopefully, we can reach more with good outcome in 2014. This also leads to a new tag in blog "WeddingTalk".

After 7 years working in the construction industry and stress that was affecting my health, I quit and took a long break. It was definitely a leap of faith but it was the best decision I made in my life. I managed to help my mom which decreased her own stress, improved my homemaker skills (lol) and just generally did a lot of 'me' time. But I have to start working again for 2014 just to have some income for future savings. I can take a long break when I get married. InsyaAllah. =D

I definitely hope and pray that 2014 will bring more good news, smooth journey and enlightenment.

   

Belated Xmas & NY Lunch Party

On Friday, workplace organised a belated Christmas and New Year lunch party.

The reason we had it belated because the big bosses were on their end of the year leaves.

Photos were taken by a colleague with his personal D7000 DSLR. Yes, Jhon and my eyes were constantly on that camera and Jhon even managed to test shot it. No edits except for my face to add color because I look pale. =P

Our lunch was held at Roxy Mercury Hotel and the Halal food was rather delicious until they serve the Spaghetti.

 

The Halal table. Jhon is not at the table because he is the one taking this photo lol

The lunch got funny when they have a small game on the exchange of presents. A lot of photos of laughing and I love it that snap shots photos of me look good. lol Vain pot me. I am suppose to look at the Tender Construction Manager but I am looking at myself and Jhon instead. =P

After 5 years, that was the best lunch I ever went to.

   

Hello 2013

How was your 1st day of 2013? Hung over, Refreshed or Generally gung ho for the New Year?


I have learnt a lot especially towards the end of the year 2012 and with 2013; I intend to face it with a new disposition.

I will pick my battles. I admit, I set off easily so I need to be aware what the issues are and whether it was worth it. Most of them are pet peeves and since I am most probably have to deal with it every day; it’s obviously not worth it to be pissed every day.

People will always stare and gossip even though I did nothing. I will always keep in mind that I have affected their lives but I will not let them affect mine. If they want to be fictional story tellers or critics with me as their main character, let them be. Only I, those who are close to me and God know the truth.

As much as some people’s actions and consequences are predictable in terms of bad situations, I will try my best not to always expect the bad or worst of others. Even if I was right as a though crossed my mind, I should not be smug about it but hope the best for them. I did that late December and it felt good.

Even though it sucks to be always get the short end of the stick, felt mistreated or disrespected, I will not live by “An eye for an eye” but lead by example. I know it will be very hard but I know it will be worth it and there will be a time for me to shine.

I will lead with those 4 mottos in mind to achieve and maintain a peaceful life with less emotional outbursts. I have started them in December 2012 and I hope I can continue the entire 2013 and years to come.

   

The Last Day of the Year

I have never celebrated New Year's Day ever in my entire life. Perhaps mostly due to my social awkwardness towards parties or just the disinterest of celebrating.

Usually, I would stay at home and be in bed by 10pm, surfing the net, watching the television or sometimes, sleeping. I was THAT indifferent to the New Year Celebrations.

This time, however, I spent my last day of the year outside with Jhon.

Not out partying or celebrating but out bowling at Downtown East in the morning. You see, Jhon has a bowling marathon of 20 straight games in a week's time and he has not been bowling for quite sometime so he has to warm up. Naturally, I joined in.

With 7 straight games, a group of preteens constantly shouting "Bastard sia!!", a group of China people who took away my ball, this is our score.

Yeah, Jhon's score look pretty sucky because he said he was trying different techniques of throwing and LOOK AT MY SCORE!!1 I improved okay?? When I started bowling, I am lucky to even reach 80+ and now my average score is 130+.

There were a few games that I even beat Jhon! Albeit it was my best against his worst game but at least I have something to be boastful about. =P After the 5th to 6th game, our shoulders started to ache. Imagine having to play 20 games. Yikes!

Anyways, we had dinner at Seoul Garden, my treat since Jhon treated me at Pizza Hut the day before. We are fair that way..

Yummy.. It has been a while and although we were noobies with the 'techie' ordering system as compared to 'attack the buffet table' method, we thoroughly enjoyed our lunch.

We headed home, get cleaned up and watched New Girl starring Zooey Deschanel on StarWorld.

It's a must watch show for the both of us and no matter what, Jhon will always make the effort to come over to my place so we can watch together.

By 9pm, Jhon went back to his place and I am on my bed with my lap top. It was a simple outing, with no crowds, no corny dates or gestures. Just 2 of us, spending our time together like any other day.

Because if you really want to think about it, what is a new year? It's just another minute past midnight, another new calender and another sunrise. It's just another year but how do you spend your days?

Whoa, suddenly turned all solemn so here is a picture of loads of money!

At just one slight of a hand, all of it is gone because I have additional responsibilities at home now so yup, money gain, money gone. Being an adult sucks sometimes but I keep telling myself, at least I have some source of income and there are people who are in worst position than us.

   

Reminiscing 2011

Alas, it is the last weekend of the year 2011 and time for the obligatory look back of what I have been through.

[click on the links for the posts]

January 2011 started in a good way as my sister gave birth to a bouncing baby boy named, Irfan Anaqi Bin Saparin.

He will be turning 1 in less than a month and he has been nothing but a bagful of cuteness.

On March, I get to experience snow for the first time. Albeit it was fake but it was good enough for me. Jhon and I went to the Snow City at Jurong and despite it was a small area, we had lots of fun.

On April, Fizah, Jhon and I went to Bali!!! It was a first time trip there and also our first independent vacation. It was beautiful, relaxing and we were lucky to yet again get a private tour with a wonderful tour guide. It was the month I turned 27 and it was definitely nice way to celebrate my birthday.

On May, the entire family went to Universal Studios Singapore. It has been a while since our last family outing so it was quite enjoyable. I love this picture the most, everyone looked so happy and wacky.

On June, Jhon and I celebrated our 4th year anniversary together by going to the Singapore Zoo (Jhon's first visit) and went to Bedok Reservoir for a small picnic. Sure there were hiccups but our love has always been the same since day 1. That month I also decided to have short bangs! It was somehow a drastic change on my outlook and I love it although on some days, it can be a hassle.

On July, we went to Kylie Minoque concert and watched Lion King the Musical. Both shows were absolutely fantastic, definitely best shows of the month.

 

The best concert of the year would be by The Cranberries on August. They are one of my favourite bands and it was as fantastic as EVER! Coldplay and The Cranberries now share as number 1 best concerts I have ever been to.

On October, Jhon celebrated his 29th birthday and along with Fizah, we watched our first ever stand up comedy starring one of Asia's popular comedians like Kumar, Harith Iskandar etc.It was utterly hilarious and we would definitely keep an extra look out for more shows like these next year.

And the last month of the year was memorable with experiencing a lunar eclipse.

These were the best memories of 2011 among others.

Although these recollections seems to be all happy and wonderful, no doubt, there were sad ones too. I simply wish not to blog about it as they were too personal. All I can say is cleaning people's mess sucks especially when you do not have much in the first place and every help was taken for granted.

For 2012, I hope for more new experiences, new adventures, more love and compassion.

A simply good new year.

Happy New Year, Everyone!

   

Reminiscing 2010

It is the final day of 2010 and although there were many good and bad moments but these are the ones that are prominent in 2010 for me.

Not in any particular order

I had Lasik Surgery which was one of the best decision I have ever made. Perfect vision is pure bliss.

I went to Bangkok, Thailand for the first time. It was as wonderful as I expected to be and I was glad I had planned an itinerary that caters for everyone, the shopholics and adventurers.

 

There, for the first time, I held a tiger cub, saw & swam in clear blue waters, took an elephant ride & played "stuntman" with one and ate insects!

Jhon and I did a remake of Van Gogh's painting, 'Starry Night' out of eraser dirt. We were proud of how it turned out.

Jhon and I tried Vegan burgers for the first time and it was suprisingly delicious. We have been avid customers ever since.

My 2nd nephew within my family was born. Muhammad Syihab was conceived by my sister in law on 07 August. He has grown into one chubby and bubbly baby.

Probably the only major bad news in 2010, my dad was diagnosed with Colon Cancer. He is still under treatment and although everything is going smoothly, one does not help but worry.

There was a moment I went museum crazy and went to exhibitions of my favourite topics; Ancient Egypt and a Body Show.

Celebrated our 3 years anniversary and Jhon planned a romantic picnic just for me. The picnic was absolutely perfect and words would not describe how I loved that simple but wonderful day.

I did not go to many concerts this year compared to others but I think I sort of covered most genres.
Backstreetboys, Pittbull and a favourite filipino band, Parokya Ni Edgar.

Lastly, watching movie classic under the stars. It was another awesomely romantic outing we had and was a perfect as I imagined it to be. I can't wait to do it next year!

 And that about sums it up, the most prominent memories I have for 2010.

Here is to more simple and yet fantastic moments and lesser bad moments in 2011.

Happy New Year!

   

Happy New Year!!

Now, before you roll your eyes at me saying that I am overly excited because I am celebrating 25 days too early, I am in fact, referring to the Islamic calendar.

And according to it, today marks a brand new year for all Muslims.

Happy New Year, 1432H!

   

2009 is like Nescafe to me...

......sweet beginnings with a bitter end.

I know its is a little late for a new year's post but better late than never right? *innocent grin*

Did alot of random things in 2009. Instead of boring you with long winded compositions, i shall shower you with pictures. ;)

Everything is not in order, i am just throwing memories in randomly. =D

In 2009, 

I had my fair share of festival & concerts:

I went to a Pinoy festival where well known(by filipinos) bands performed and the proceeds goes to a charity foundation. I already knew some of bands before hand and love some of their songs. It was awesome!

Fallout boy

Coldplay (best concert i ever went!!!!)

Oasis

Lady Gaga ( i love crazy women lol)

Keane (beyond expectations)

I got my first real 0.3c diamond ring from a boy (hehe)

Attended shows like:

Harlem Globetrotters

RedBull X Fighters

Ennio Marchetto

Nuffnang 1st Blog Awards

Dino Show @ Jurong Birdpark

Countless Trips to Johor

Attended 2 engagements & 3 weddings

Make it 4 weddings because this is the year my lovely sis finally got married!

Celebrated 23mths anniversary with Jhon at Bottle Tree Park

Did curtains out of Pringles Chips

Helped bro did a Hummer3 photoshoot

Birthdays Galore

When i celebrated my 1/4 century old birthday

Shibly turned 2yrs old

And Jhon turned 27yrs old on a Helipad courtesy of Iyan.

Daddy went to China to work for 1-2yrs

Kitty got raped pregnant and gave birth to 3 naughty kittens

and lastly, the most recent one to end the year with, we lost Nadia Natasha... 

It was a crazy year but its all mine to keep. 

Happy New Year Everyone!!