Why communication is important

because by communicating we can share:

• fear
• hope
• anger
• sadness
• happiness
• worries
• pain
• plans
• disappointment
• expectations
• feelings

thus, it is important in any form of relationship, especially marriage.

Lucky me

Husband & I, Mushroom Beach - Nusa Lembongan

After being married and talked to some friends about marriage life, I am very grateful that I am the lucky one to have a husband who give me freedom to be who I am, who love me for being me.
I talked to friends whose husband tell them what to do and what they shouldn't do.They should take care house, wear this kind of clothes, don't wear certain kind of clothes, should cook in certain ways, or very picky that it's hard to cook for them.


As for me, it's been a bliss to have a husband like Bill.
Easy going, a bit moody at times (hardly ever!), good eater, big helper, caring and loving, and importantly, he treated me equally.


We are partner in life. Some friends asked me "Who won more in your relationship?" 
Oh well, marriage is not a battle of winning and losing, instead, everything is what's best for our little family.
They thought we never fight. We've been together for almost 5 years, and yes, we do argue. Sometimes big time. Good thing we never argue for too long.


Also lucky me for having a great mother in law. She can be particular sometimes, and get on my nerves, but she is very kind hearted, and except her standard how cooking and cleaning has to be done in her house, she never tell me what to do and what I shouldn't do. And for her particular standard, I don't need to live with it once we have our own place (which we do now!!). 
Compared to friend's in-laws who can be evil-ish, and crazy nagging and bossy, I am lucky!


As for our family which still consist of the three of us for the time being (Muffin counts!), as much as I wanted little crying so badly, I also feel grateful for whatever we have right now. The opportunity to get to know each other better, to do our school work without baby in mind, to establish friendship and to learn and do more stuffs before little crying(s) is here. We both want to have children, we would love to see our 3/4 Chinese babies,and how Muffin will be a good big brother and play with the babies.


Lucky me

Baby talks

Hanging out with friends who are talking about babies (and breast feeding) all the time is not fun.

I mean, I understand you have children, and your children is super awesome as it is, but do you really have to talk about them ALL the time?? 

Hello?? I am here....I don't have children (yet), and I am happy that you do, and I tried to fit in by saying what I thought or share how I wanted to raise my children, but you look at me as if I'm an idiot, because well, obviously, I don't have baby (just yet!)

Just because I don't have baby doesn't mean I know nothing about children, and I talked because I tried to have some fun too.

So what if I said that I don't want my kids to watch TV? or when I said that I want to cloth diaper my children?? I didn't ask you to do what I wanted to apply to my children. 

We're just different, and obviously you are so selfish so that you cannot stop talking about your children, without thinking that I might get bored with babies stories.

Oh well, not ALL moms are like that. I know some cool mom who talked about make ups, driving, books, and many more stuffs, and they do talk about their baby too. But since they didn't talk about it ALL the TIME makes their baby sounds more awesome compared to those who talk about how smart and great their kids are. That's also because I saw what the baby actually do, instead of just blah-blah-blah stories.

.....

Few days ago, a friend lost her fiance, on a motorcycle accident. They are going to get married in October.
I feel sad for her.

It makes me think. How short life can be.
What am I gonna do if the same thing happened to me ?

I will keep on praying for Bill's safety. Always.

I love you, husband

some life updates !

1. Bill bought a 1998 Nissan Pathfinder to be our recreational car. The car needs a bit of work, and new sets of tires, and some seat cover. But it is in a really good condition. We took it to the trail a couple weeks ago, and the 4WD really makes a different. So far muffin seems to hate to sit in the back of the car. Hopefully he'll get used to it soon. Below is a picture of Muffin in the back of our Hyundai. 

We must have just got back from a hike, as his paws are all dirty.

2. Bill and I tried to go out for a little hike every weekend, just to get out of the house, and being close with the nature. Needless to say that is is an exercise we both need after a long week of school. Below are some pictures:

Where we were two weeks ago during a rainy day.

 Bill and I

 Muffin after the hike. It was really wet and muddy. He got a bath once we got home.

3. The weather is friendlier now. In fact, yesterday we finally hit 20C for the first time in 2011, and probably since the last November ! Feels great to feel warm in the sun again. That also means that we are outside more often, and I can get to wear dress again. Last week I wear this dress made by my mom to our nephew's little league baseball game.

I looked pregnant here (I wish!)

Bill's teeth are so perfect, mine looks like a hamster :p

Muffin and I enjoying some sunshine at a school where we live.

4. I registered for Summer quarter where I will take Psych200 class online while I'm back in Indonesia (don't even want to think how I could balance holiday and crammed 5 credit classes in 7 weeks !). This is the last class I have to take as the pre-requisites to apply for nursing school. I am hoping to apply in Fall. 

On the fall quarter, I am taking Intercultural communication with Morgan, and Microbiology with Andrew, Randi and Morgan. These are classes I needed to take before I can graduate from the nursing school. I took it in advance, so I won't need to worry about it when I am on the nursing school (I still have nutrition to take as well !)

5. I want it so bad sometimes my heart ache. But it is what it is.

6. More than anything else, Bill and I are really looking forward to go to Indonesia, and enjoy our holiday! Good food, nice-hot weather, beaches, sunshine ! Too bad Muffin won't be there with us. And I am not looking forward to adjusting to the coldness of Seattle once I got back. It's funny how right now I feel that 20C is warm enough for me to wear a short sleeve clothes, and summer will be hotter than now. But if you just got back from Indonesia, where it is 30C every day and night, Seattle is still a little bit chilly.

7. I never been happier and more comfortable for being me as I am right now.

It's back....

The urge is back, and lingers. It is not as bad as in 2008, but it's here.
Yes, I want it. Probably more than I would admit, definitely more than what I always tell people and to myself.
When I thought I do, I was so full of hope, and I was sad to know that I'm not.

If only

Having a baby is as easy as buying a car.

Good Attitude

I have some thinking a few days ago.

I shared to Bill when we went out for a walk.

I've been thinking that everything has come in place so perfectly, to make me like living in Seattle.

Moving is a big thing, and when you move to a different country for the rest of your life, and being away from your comfort zone, it is not easy.

But ever since I came here, everything was just so nice.

Once I got here we traveled to San Fransisco, 

I started school, and made some really good friends, and actually got decent grades,

It was snowing during thanksgiving, and more in December and January.

Bill took me snowboarding, and I actually LIKE it,

I discovered quilting, and love it, and supplies are easy to get here.

I took the Nursing Assistant class, and practice in nursing home and hospital, and enjoyed it,

Went snowshoeing and also LIKE it,

Fabulous friends and study group in school,

Passed driver's license test and NAC state certification test,

etc.

It's not that I never had a bad times, because I do have some bad times, and some bad mood, and some temper tantrum, and some hard times.

But somehow good things came together, and makes me love living here even more.

After I share all these, Bill said: "Well, it's also because you have a good attitude."

"What do you mean by attitude?"

"You are open minded and eager to try everything."

"But I sulked a lot of times too."

"Yes, but it's okay, you still have a good attitude."

I gave his words a thought, and find it true.

Good attitude is necessary.

Being open minded and positive thinking is important.

If you feel good about something, it is easy to make things works.

Great life starts with good attitude.

Life is Great !

Reasons to live

There are lots of reasons why I don't want to die:

1. I don't want Bill to live alone without me :)
2. My parents are still alive, and I should be the one who send them away
3. Too many places I haven't visit.
4. Pancakes, Indonesian food, Michelle's homemade spaghetti sauce, Marcia's chicken soup, Zelah's stir fry asparagus with meat, my mom's homemade food, and tons of millions of food I love.
5. Muffin my boy, all my pride and joy.
6. My blog, who will continue to write on them ?
7. Nice warm weather every summer, snow in the winter, falling leaves during fall, and the blooming flowers in the spring.
8. Silly and funny moments with Bill
9. etc
10. etc
11. etc

Live life to the fullest, Laugh as there's no tomorrow, Love one another.

it is okay

During life, you will encounter a lot of people

And you develop relationship with them
you become close, and they became your friends

Some are best friends, good friends, old friends, study friends, and some are true friends.

As time goes by, you see things are different.

Maybe they grow so fast and you are not,

or you feel like you are growing, and they stay in the same place.

And you feel things changed.

You don't interact with them in the same way you did before.

Comments became irritating, insulting, hurting.

You got frustrated to share ideas, opinion, or even just being you,
 and sometimes you just don't want to say anything, to avoid arguments.
And then you came to a realization.

You've grown apart.

We are no longer in the same places.

We are no longer able to share a good conversation, without wanting to hurt each other.

We are no longer enjoy each other companion.

And it is okay.

The statement "friends are forever" is not true.

And if you count the amount of people you've became friends with,
you'll see that not all of them are still your friends today.

They may became enemies, or those who you consider as "People that I used to know"

And it is okay.

This doesn't mean that you have to hate them,

or to cut the relationship with them.
They can still be a friend,
or those people you used to know.
No one is to be blamed on.

It's just you go into a different direction.
You just have to accept that. 

Therefore words of jealousy won't hurt you.

Comments won't be irritating.

Just because you've known them for years,
and they were your best friends before,
doesn't mean they will be forever.

And it's fine. 

There is nothing wrong with it.
People change, and changes are good.

Because in life you will find a true friends.
True friends are there to stay.

Together you grow to become a better person.

True friends cherish each other, and be happy for each other, and mourn together.

True friends don't get jealous, or underestimate you.

True friends are there whenever, ready to catch you when you fall.

They are proud for your accomplishments.

This is an important understanding that I got today.

And I feel so much better.

I will be happy no matter what.
I have true friends, best friends, study partner, people that I used to know, etc

Life is great and growing is an essence of life !

May you all be happy.

Lately....

1. been browsing for vintage clothes
2. saw so many flowers and dresses online for the wedding
3. cleaned up both rooms
4. talked about truck a LOT
5. ate pho a lot too
6. not enough studying
7. hate statistics
8. want a new purse and cowboy boots 

This quarter is almost over !

And I am so GLAD !!
I'm so done with this quarter, and I'm ready to move on.
In between quarters, there will be :

1. Parents here
2. Meike here
3. Our WEDDING
4. Canada !
5. lots of dresses, no more jeans !
6. lots of happiness

I can't wait !!

2010 - a Recap

2010 has been a wonderful year for me, this is what happened :

1. I quit my job, and finally stress free
2. My mom came to China, and together we went back to Indonesia 
3. 2 months of super awesome holiday
4. Lots of chatty nights with Nikke
5. I have a nephew named Cedric
6. Got married to the most wonderful person in my life <3
7. Muffin flew to US
8. Traveled to SF and see Meike again after a long time
9. Starts school, and gain precious friends : Michelle, Morgan, Randi and Andrew <3
10. Own a sewing machine and actually made something.
11. Got my 1st scrubs in Caribbean blue
12. 1st cowboy boots

2011 is coming, and lots of things to look forward :

1. NAC, A&P class
2. 2 weddings, one in April, one in June
3. HOLIDAY !!!
4. More friends
5. and lots of other things.

So, HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!

May you always be happy !

I'm sad

My external HD is broken and needs to be formatted, and it's the one which has all the photos from the past like 8 years !!!!
I'm so so so very sad.

I miss home !

Today is one of my best friend's wedding.

This wedding is one of all wedding that I've missed, and more to come.
I have missed lots of birthdays, wedding, Christmas, Chinese New Year, birth and death of people that I love.
And more to come in the future.

In the other way, I gain so much experience, best friend, and small family.
I will celebrate birthdays, wedding, Christmas and Chinese New Year.

This is my life.
I chose this life.
And no matter how much I wish home is just 1 state away, it's not gonna happen.
And I have to be happy with what I have,
and stop missing those who are far and events that I missed.

I miss home.
And this will be the 5th birthday, Christmas and New Year without my family.

A beautiful Sunday

• I drove to the Church, and I enjoy it. I go to Holy Family Kirkland Church every Sunday morning, and it's really close from where we live. It's a nice church and I love it. They have children in the choir, and it really bring a joy in my heart to hear them sing. Hope someday, my kids will grow to know and love God.
• It is snowing ! First only a little bit, then gradually more and more snow landed on earth. I took Muffin for his 1st walk in the snow, and I'm so glad that he seems to enjoy it. We'll see when it's all snowy on the street. I didn't take picture, because I forgot my phone and needles to say my camera.
• I am in the process of choosing my engagement pictures to be edited and printed out, I will get it done by today. I promise. How hard it is to choose 100 pics out of several hundreds ?
• The Adidas down jacket which I bought in Shanghai earlier this year is really worth the money I spent. I felt comfortably warm wearing them. The only thing I really consider to buy is a snow boots, since my toes felt so cold till it hurts. 
• My husband is wonderful ! This is what makes my life so happy. 

3 things !

Three tv shows I watch:

Parks and Recreation

Hells Kitchen

The Office

Three of my favorite drinks at Starbucks:

Iced Caramel Macchiato

Iced Caramel Latte

Hot Chocolate

Three places I want to go:

HOME

East Coast

Australia + NZ

Three things that I do often for fun:

Wander around at Craft's store

Walking around downtown

Playing with Muffin

Three things I still want to do:

Learn tons of handy-crafty things

Live life to the fullest

Travel around the world

Three things I wish I did more often

Exercise

Take pictures

Cook good food

Three things I can't wait to be done with:

SCHOOL !!!!

Winter, which haven't started yet

SCHOOL !

Three things that make me smile:

Husband

Muffin

Good news

Three things I look forward in 5 years:

Be done with study, and start working

Purchase our first house and my first car

Baby, our own baby :)

Mid november

The weather is getting colder and gloomy + wet !
Christmas is coming soon (even though we haven't reach thanksgiving!)
Christmas decoration is everywhere, and it's only 3 weeks till I'm done with school.
WINTER Break !
Yay !

I am so excited.

One and most of all is my birthday is coming soon, and I am asking for a sewing machine ^o^

I just got a new desk, a nice chair and a nice desk lamp.
Plus, I have a new monitor, because  Bill got a bigger one.
This how my station look like (study and soon, sewing !)

Fall is almost over

I love fall
I love to see the leaves on the trees, changing its color,
and fall on the ground.
Creating a mess, a pretty mess.
In below picture, I wear a green vest knitted by my grandma.
"Thank you, It's really warm, Oma !"

this long hair

My hair is too long !

This is the longest hair I've ever had. 

And beside the fact that it is a really pretty & healthy hair :), it is just tooooo long !

It gets on my back when I sleep,

It stuck in between of me and my backpack.

Takes a long time to wash it, and for sure, to let it dry naturally.

It's just all over the place !

My hair will reach my waist by next year.

I'm pretty sure !

How long will I be able to take it ??

Hopefully long enough :)