What I learned in 2017

For me, 2016 was a year of wealth. My award winning short movie resulted in some good financial boost. There were some free-lance projects that seemed to fall on my lap too because of it.

How to best picture it; I flew half of my family members to Bali and paid for most of things; return tickets, entertainment, lunches and dinners. 
The house also got some nip and tuck ; new roof for the garage, new sofa, I even installed a new air conditioning in the guest room.

It was easy.

But it did not take long for it to go South as soon as I entered 2017...

Illustration by Aolanow

Happy 2016

Here's a blog I have been trying not to post. But I finally did.

Dedicated to all the people who never understand about my relationship with my furry children. And who's been telling me that "It is not the same with being married and having real children."

I won't argue with that.

What I am looking forward to in 2016

Instead of listing down resolutions, this year I just want to continue an approach to share about what things, events, occasions that I am looking forward to in 2016, from personal life to fashion industry, from movies to what hair style to rock, and from sports and fun and games to politics.

Here goes!

1. My project. Oh my project. The progress is being stuck with my excuses since last May but I just had creative juices jump start in my head and is ready to continue for good.
2. The long awaited Finding Dory! I was stoked when Ellen officially announced it!
3. Trip to Tanjung Puting. Was meant to leave end of November but due to the forest fire math, it has been postponed to March 2016. I am begging the Universe to make this happen. A travel and lifestyle publication have asked me to do a story on this trip and I am thinking of interviewing one of the rangers there who has been doing the most selfless job ever. Find out (and support) them via Orangutan Foundation International.
4. Aesthetic department: Do you think this bob and bangs will suit me? Also, I want to style up high waist jeans more often. Like these ladies! In colors, to rock this rad combo of camel and red. What do you think?
5. Euro Cup 2016 Baby! I still have the heart for Espana, I mean look at them the past years! They failed the World Cup 2014 which was heartbreaking but I will still be rooting for them. And the Oranje!--- Update: Their nightmare sets in as the team failed to qualify Euro Cup. #heartbreak.
6. US Presidential Elections 2016, tho it is more because I am so into the brilliant campaigns they always have. Intriguing and interesting to watch. 
7. Continue supporting animal welfare cause and ask my families to join me.
8. Another career growth. In Jesus name. Amen

And the utmost thing I am looking forward to... A better world to live in. There has been so many sad news the past year and I do not even have the heart to mention them. For those affected by world's hatred... I am sending your all the prayers to stay strong, just stay beautiful as you are and do not let those turn your back away from believing that we can still work to make good matter again.

What 2014 has taught me

Let's throwback for a bit.

2014 was the first ever year I entered with NO resolution at all. I just skipped it. I can never really stop biting my fingernails when am anxious anyway, and good luck with "Try to skill cooking a dish or two."

I just wanted to try a different approach to life and see what it brings. I can be a big time worrier and ahem... a bit of a control freak and just too hard on myself. 
So, having no resolution list is actually a big thing for me.

But look what I have learned and accomplished without the so-called list...

1. I lost a few friends. Or, let's say... The dynamic I used to have with some of them have changed. And it is personal, with no intention at all to have enemies. You just need to admit that not all relationships are worth fighting for. Especially ones that does not nurture you, keep hurting you. Or, ones you cannot trust.
2. My energy is now more invested to fewer people who nourishes me. Why? Because instead of hanging out with the #1 group of friends at a coffee shop, dragging myself to pointless drama, I spend more time writing emails to my friend(s) (who's probably a thousand miles away) with things that has substance for the both of us to grow. At the same time, I gained a new skill! I now can tell the difference between someone who listens to you attentively and then respond, AND ones that's just waiting for their turn to talk.
3. I made a move to a new job and got a promotion. Not an easy decision but... Thank you God! I always believe in Your timing.
4. We lost 2 dear cousins in 2014. And a young man, best friend of my brother. Tough. Made me question things but... knowing Phil 1:21, I am grateful for I know we will see each other again someday.
5. I did not blog much in 2014 and realized it is making me less fulfilled, so yes... I am going to write more.
6. You cannot (and do not have to) fix every broken strings in your relationships or social life. But you can change light bulbs at home.
7. I learned tricks on how to open a stubborn jar lid! Seriously helpful.
8. Running makes me a happier person. I am setting a higher bar this year by running through harder tracks that I know are not for the faint of heart. On average, I run 3*5K/ week. Not that bad I guess.
9. It is okay to fall in and out of love. Ahem.
10. Nothing is thicker than blood. I always nestle back under my siblings love, encouragement and laughter whenever I need an instant uplift or remedy. Works for any kind of ache. 
11. Square peg in a round hole? Just.forget.it
12. On a heavier, spiritual note: Matthew 7:15 is a real deal. I have seen more of them now and glad that nothing can shake my faith.
13. I can wear bright pink lipstick. And also in need of a good eye-cream.
14. A guy who drinks a USD5 worth of beer with corny pick-up-line may not be able to afford buying you a USD20 worth of cocktail you are sipping. 
15. Red is the way to go for fingernails and 60's style swimwear will still be a hit for another year or two. Invest in them. And in handbags.
16. When in doubt, there's always my dogs. And peanut butter and jelly sandwich (or Nasi Padang). And naps. 

Praise to be God... this below, is the ultimate lesson I have learned.

"Everything that you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear."

 In my case, baby, it is LOVE. And am getting closer to the other side of my fear!

Give thanks and saying hello to 2015

I would usually post a typical New Year's resolution and wish list... This time, I just want to take a moment to thank You...

For my health, my career and my family. None of them will be my treasure if it was not for your grace. And it is sufficient for me.

For anything of everything that I bring home, and a little something extra that I can share, so that people will see how good God really is.

My friends that turn into families. My two healthy and happy dogs as they have been an amazing companion for more than 2 years. Woof them (friends and dogs)

For the strength and reassurance you gave us all when we lost our dearest cousins, and a best friend in the same year. Psalm 115:16.
My siblings; Benevolent, Detrianne, Maharani, Isaac. My in laws Budi and Leonardus. My nephews Joseph and Nathanael. And our dearest Mama, Rosita. Our extended family and dearests friends and of course, my darling readers.
I thank you for everything that they bring into my heart.


For 2014, God, thank you.

May You guide me still along my continuous growth in the walk of FAITH.

Thank You and let's see what else we can thank for in 2015.

Saying hello!

So we missed Christmas, New Year and all the holidays and festivities in between...!
I have been going through an awful lot of ups and downs but things are now slowing down a bit...
To recap; My Mom was here for a two-week holiday and we had a great time together.
I finally am progressing with my kitchen (oh dear!) and now enjoying most of the time just hanging with some light readings and my cup of coffee.

Unlike in the past years, in which I love to start a new year into by making a long list of resolutions, this year, I did not list any. What I have been experiencing make  realize how blessed my life has been, and I only have one major purpose to do; make changes, no matter how small. I will share more details in my next posts, and I hope some of you might want to follow my little steps.

Thank you for your faithfullness in reading my blog sweethearts.
Let us talk more often from now on:)

And Happy 2014!

My fave spot

On my birthday :)

Happy 2013

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Twenty Twelve

I am so blessed.  Extremely blessed. When you can be a blessing, isn't that mean you are first-blessed? I know I do. 

The fact that none of my scars and failures can make Him love me less... elevates me. I am imperfect, I am a wreck even but from this edge, the only people who still are by my side are the real ones. And how can I not be thankful for that? 

I had just the perfect amount of laugh and tears that mold me who I really am today. 

So, 2012... welcome. I will not be part of you, you-instead- will just be an element of what my creator has planned for me. Be ready to be boggled away, shrieked to the corner and with the realization of a so called future.

I love you already.

xoxo,

Tressabel