Weekly Goals: Week 01 [2009] & Happy Islamic New Year!

Woo hoo, Week 1 of 2009!!! Hehe, a little premature, I know, seeing that New Year doesn't start till this coming Thursday, but it's okay - technically, yesterday was the New Year for all Muslims, hehe. So:

SELAMAT TAHUN BARU HIJRAH 1430

Oh yeah, I didn't manage to achieve 85% of my goals for the final week of the year 2008, but it was a close one - 77% (Hehe, I'd like to think it's close enough!). Anyway, here are my goals for the first week:

Fitness:

• Monday: Yoga (FZ)
  
• Tuesday: Yoga (VDA) [X]
  
• Thursday: Gyming (FZ) [X]
• Saturday: Yoga (VDA) [X]
• Sunday: Gyming (FZ) [X]

Miscellaneous:

• Art: finish fanarts for Apr 2008 [X], Aug 2008 [X] & Dec 2008 [X]; colour logo [X]
• Manga: edit oneshot pages [X]
• Website: finish designing new website [X]; update ari-rin.com [X]; update deviantART site [X]; update Aesthetic Tribute subforum [X]
• Social activities: dinner with family, Zati, Zana & Amalina (Mon); lunch with June (Tues); breakfast with Jus & Mus (Thurs); art session & dinner with Fel & Fifah [X]; dinner with June, Adeline, Meela & Siti (Fri); lunch with Nurul & Pinah (Sat)
  
• Domestic chores: organise room; tidy car [X]
• Beauty spa: massage (Sun) [X]
• TV series: Heroes (episodes 9-12) [X]
• Anime list: TRC Tokyo Revelations (complete) [X]; Daughter of Twenty Faces (complete)
  

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."
dr.rin | artist.mangaka

Christmas Artwork: dr.rin & the Christmas Stocking

Hehe, the title sounds like it's something from a children's storybook! XD Anyway, this is my gift artwork to everyone who's celebrating Christmas! Sorry it's a day late! Happy Christmas again!

ps: Finally, dr.rin produces another coloured artwork, haha! XD

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."
dr.rin | artist.mangaka

Frohe Weihnachten!!!

Just a quick post to wish everyone celebrating a very:

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Many best wishes!

ps: I want this Magic Growing Christmas Tree! I used to have one! Ah, chemistry in action!!! XD

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."
dr.rin | artist.mangaka

Weekly Goals: Week 52 [2008]

It's technically the last week of the year since the New Year will fall middle of next week! I'm aiming for at least 85% achievement of weekly goals this week, so wish me luck! Danke! XD

Fitness:

• Tuesday: Yoga (VDA) [X]
• Thursday: Gyming (FZ) [X]
• Sunday: Walk (Stadium or Bukit Shahbandar) or Gyming (FZ) [X]

Miscellaneous:

• Art: draw Christmas artwork
  
• Website: update ari-rin.com [X]; update deviantART site
  
• Social activities: lunch with June & Siti (Tues); lunch with Liza & Helen (Wed); lunch with my family, Pinah, Nurul & their parents (Thurs); art session & dinner with Fifah (Fri); attend BDAM '08 with Zati (Sat); BBQ @ Nynna's; nieces' sleepover at my place (Sat-Mon)
  
• Domestic chores: organise room; pick up dry cleaning (Wed)
  
• Banking: withdraw cash from HSBC (Sat); go to BIBD (Sat)
  
• Shopping: SC voucher (Sat); "Daughter of Twenty Faces" anime (Fri)
  
• Cinema: Yes Man (Sun)
• Anime list: TRC Tokyo Revelations (complete) [X]; Skip Beat! (episode 12)
  

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."
dr.rin | artist.mangaka

Aesthetic Tribute: December 2007

Just posted the second fanart I mentioned in my previous Aesthetic Tribute post (which can be viewed here) - I know, it's about time! Hehe! Anyway, this fanart is of one of Hikaru from Magic Knight Rayearth! You can view it here. Enjoy! xxx

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."
dr.rin | artist.mangaka

Weekly Goals: Week 51 [2008]

Just jotting down the list of goals for Week 51. Oooh, only a little over two weeks before the New Year of 2009! XD

Fitness:

• Saturday: Gyming (FZ)
  
• Sunday: Gyming (FZ) [X]

Miscellaneous:

• Art: finish fanarts for Aesthetic Tribute Apr 2008 [X] & Aug 2008 [X]; colour logo [X]; CG clean original artwork [X]
• Manga: edit oneshot pages [X]
• Website: finish designing new website [X]; update Aesthetic Tribute subforum; update ari-rin.com [X]; update deviantART site [X]
• Social activities: lunch with Irra & Jessica (Tues); visit Zati (Tues); lunch with parents (Tues); dinner with Aniki, Rozi & Sarah (Wed); lunch with Imah (Thurs); lunch with Irra (Fri); dinner with June & Siti (Fri); visit Meel in KB (Sat)
  
• Domestic chores: organise room; tidy car (Sun) [X]; send drycleaning (Sat)
  
• Bill payment: Telbru & e-speed bills
  
• Post: cards
  
• Anime list: Natsume Yuujin-Chou (complete); Skip Beat! (episode 11)
  
• Manga list: Otomen (volumes 1-3); A. I. Revolution (volumes 3-4)

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."
dr.rin | artist.mangaka

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Adha!

Just a quick message to wish all Muslims "Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Adha"! XD I hope it has been a brilliant day for all. As for me, it's a day of rest, lazing about, eating and watching TV, haha! I did NOT forget my prayers, though! ;p Peace to all!

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."
dr.rin | artist.mangaka

Anime: Toshokan Sensou (Library War)

This anime was a totally wonderful surprise! I had seen it in the DVD shops before but was in two minds about buying it - it's usually the case for me when it comes to war-type anime! The only reason I decided to take a look at the synopsis on the interweb was because my all-time Irish anime buddy (Domou, Gary-kun!!!) recommended it. So glad I listened, I totally LOVE this anime series!

[SPOILER ALERT!!!]

The characters are great, funny, can't get enough of them! My favourites are, of course, Kasahara Iku and Doujou Atsushi - what an odd pairing, but so lovable! It's so cool that the two don't follow the usual rules - for one, the girl (Kasahara) is taller by 5 cm compared to Doujou!

One of the funniest scenes is when Doujou tried to pat Kasahara's head when she was wearing heals, hahaha! Another cute and funny moment is when Doujou was explaining the organisational structure of the Library Defence Force - ah, "chibi" moments! XD

And much as I like interesting storylines with in-depth plots and unexpected tragic moments, I also love happy endings! Predictable, but who cares! Although they didn't go into much detail as to what happened between the two main characters, it's pretty obvious from the last scene of the final episode (episode 12)! Thank-you so much to the creaters of this anime!!! I'm in anime heaven at the mo!

Anyway, if you want to know more about the anime, please check out its Wikipedia article.

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."
dr.rin | artist.mangaka

Weekly Goals: Week 50 [2008]

70% achievement for Week 49 - s'okay, I guess. So what's the agenda for this week? XD

Fitness:

• Thursday: Yoga (VDA) [X]
  
• Saturday: Yoga (VDA) [X]
• Sunday: Gyming (FZ) [X]

Miscellaneous:

• Art: finish fanarts for Aesthetic Tribute for April 2008 [X] & Aug 2008 [X]; scan logo
• Manga: scan oneshot pages; edit pages [X]
• Website: update ari-rin.com; update deviantART site; finish designing new website [X]
• Social activities: dinner with Justina, Kartinie & family (Tues); lunch with June (Wed); dinner with June, Adeline & Meela (Fri); lunch with Pinah & Nurul (Sat)
  
• Domestic chores: organise bedroom [not completed but I did a fair bit, hehe!]
• Bill payment: electric bill (Sat); pay Pinah for partial hotel costs(Sat)
• Anime list: Nabari No Ou (complete) [skipped several episodes, too much angst for my liking!]; Skip Beat (episode 10)
  
• Manga list: Otomen (volumes 1-3) [X]; A. I. Revolution (volumes 3-4) [X]

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."
dr.rin | artist.mangaka

New look for Christmas!

Hehe, a quick post before I go off for lunch. I decided to change the design of the blog a little. It's Christmas in a few weeks, a holiday celebrated by many of my friends so I wanted to mark the occasion with an appropriate design. Just something simple... and the image of the snowflake isn't mine! XD

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."
dr.rin | artist.mangaka

Weekly Goals: Week 49 [2008]

Too lazy to write anything, other than to list down this week's goals - so here goes:

Fitness:

• Tuesday: Yoga (VDA)
  
• Thursday: Yoga (VDA) [X]
• Sunday: Gyming (FZ) [X]

Miscellaneous:

• Art: finish fanarts for Aesthetic Tribute for April 2008 [X] & Aug 2008 [X]; draw logo
  
• Website: update ari-rin.com [X]; update deviantART site [X]; design new website [X]
• Social activities: dinner with Jus & Tinie (Mon); lunch with June (Tues); dinner with Aniki, Rozi, Fel, Fifah & Zawi (Wed); lunch with June (Thurs); dinner with June & Adeline (Fri); art session with Fel & Fifah (Sat); hangout with Nurul & Pinah (Sun)
  
• Domestic chores: organise bedroom [X]; pick up drycleaning
  
• Banking: go to BIBD
  
• Bill payment: DST bill; Telbru & e-speed bills; electric bill [X]
• Subscription: Borneo Bulletin (Dec)
• Fasting: ake up some fasting days
  
• Shopping: long-sleeved shirts; Toshokan Sensou (anime)
• TV series list: Heroes (episodes 7-8)
  
• Anime list: Toshokan Sensou (complete)
  
• Manga list: I hate you more than anyone! (volumes 3-4); Blood+: Yakou Joushi (complete)
  

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."
dr.rin | artist.mangaka

Photos: Anime Festival Asia 2008

If you didn't know, I was in Singapore with my two cousins (Pinah and Nurul) over the weekend, flew over Saturday morning and back Sunday night, and if you don't think that's enough time to do much, think again - it is possible to do anything if you plan ahead and don't dawdle! Singapore is small with an extremely efficient transport system! I did 95% of the shopping I planned (which was actually a lot!) as well as attend the anime convention that was on in Suntec City!

Anyway, below are some photos taken at the anime convention (AFA '8) - it's been a while since I went to one. This one wasn't as big as the ones in UK but it was good fun! I have to say, cosplayers in Singapore can really pull it off. XD The coolest one of the lot is a Mobile Suit Gundam cosplayer - hats off to the guy! He even got on our local paper, the Borneo Bulletin! I didn't buy anything at the convention, though there was something that is on my wishlist - a Wacom Cintiq tablet! My god, the smallest one (A4 size, I think) cost almost $2000! I think it'll be quite a loooong while before I even dream of getting this one. Thank goodness I already have a tablet! One other plus at the convention was that I got to take a photo with a huge poster of my favourite manga/anime series, Skip Beat! I want that poster for my room!!!

All in all, it was a good break last weekend! Thank god for Sat+Sun weekends (as oppose to Fri+Sun ones, hehe!).

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."
dr.rin | artist.mangaka

Weekly Goals: Week 48 [2008]

Last week, especially the weekend, was great! Although I didn't get as much of my weekly goals done as I wanted, it was still productive in a way! Oh yeah, I was in Singapore at the weekend (photos later!) for a quick shopping trip and anime convention. It is possible to get lots of things done in less than 2 days in Singapore, you just need to plan a little bit ahead! XD Anyway, here are my Week 48 goals:

Fitness:

• Tuesday: Yoga (VDA) [X]
  
• Wednesday: walk (Tasek) or gym (FZ) [X]
• Thursday: Yoga (VDA)
• Saturday: Yoga (VDA)
  

Miscellaneous:

• Art: finish fanarts for Aesthetic Tribute for April 2008 [X] & Aug 2008 [X]
• Website: update ari-rin.com [X]; update deviantART site [X]
• Social activities: art session with Fel & Fifah (Fri); lunch with June (Fri); lunch with Pinah, Nurul & Nynna (Sun)
  
• Domestic chores: organise bedroom [X]; pick up drycleaning [X]
• Shopping: toiletries
• Manga list: Zig Zag (volumes 2-7)

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."
dr.rin | artist.mangaka

Weekly Goals: Week 47 [2008]

Oh my god, totally did no exercise last week, but with good reasons! I guess I needed the rest! However, I only got less than half my goals done! Must aim for better achievement, so here are my goals for this week:

Fitness:

• Tuesday: Yoga (VDA)
  
• Wednesday: gym (FZ) [X]
  
• Thursday: Yoga (VDA) [X]

Miscellaneous:

• Art: finish fanarts for Aesthetic Tribute for April 2008 [X] & Aug 2008 [X]
• Website: update ari-rin.com [X]; update deviantART site [X]; update Aesthetic Tribute subforum
• Social activities: dinner with June & Meela (Mon); art session with Fel & Fifah (Wed); dinner with Justina & Kartinie; lunch with June, Meela & Adeline (Fri); anime convention with Nurul & Pinah (Sat & Sun)
  
• Domestic chores: organise bedroom [X]
• Shopping: manga; makeup; work clothes; footwear; art stuff
• Movies: watch Madagascar 2 with Meela (Empire)
  
• TV series list: Heroes (episode 7 & 8) [X]

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."
dr.rin | artist.mangaka

My first BB appearance!

And it was by chance, haha! I was attending a two-day seminar commemorating World Town Planning Day 2008 in the International Convention Centre. I met Meel's aunt (though she calls her Kak Lin) there during the opening ceremony. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have been viewing the model of Brunei's Land Use Master Plan, at which point we were unknowingly being photographed by James Kon (I got that name from Borneo Bulletin!). Anyway, I got a bit of a surprise today when Irra texted me to say my face was plastered on page 3 of today's paper! Thank god I looked respectable! I was fortunately advised by Irra and June to wear a certain article of clothing (hehe, you can guess what it was!) when attending the seminar! Thanks, guys! XD Anyway, you can view the article here. As for the seminar itself, it was rather interesting (which was a nice surprise!) and I've gained a good deal of knowledge regarding the topic of town and country planning. I think it would be useful in my current line of work, hehe.

Actually, it wasn't just me from SLA who got the limelight in today's paper. My new collegue, Cynthia, can also be seen in a group photo, related to a workshop being held the same day by the Young Entrepreneur Association Brunei (YEAB). She was meant to attend the seminar at ICC with me, but she was already committed to attending the YEAB workshop (wouldn't have minded going to that either!). Anyway, the article can be viewed here, if anyone is interested.

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."
dr.rin | artist.mangaka

Name cards: Rozi

Oooh, there's a cool photo of the name card I did for Rozi. I'm really proud of it, but of course, it had Rozi's input too! It's for her, after all, hehe! Took me ages to slice them up but they turned out a cute size. You can view the name card at Rozi's blog. I must design one for myself one of these days, once I get established as a mangaka, that is - Amin! XD

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."
dr.rin | artist.mangaka

Aesthetic Tribute: September/October 2008

Yayyy, I did some artwork, finally! XD This is the first of the two finished works I did. I didn't have time to properly "CG clean" it, will have to redo it at a later stage! The other one is scanned but is harder to clean! :( Anyway, you can view the first fanart here. It is of the main characters from one of my favourite manga series, Penguin Revolution! Hope you all like it! XD

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."
dr.rin | artist.mangaka

Weekly Goals: Week 46 [2008]

Again, not a bad week! Got some artwork done but not finished. Fitness wasn't good, though, due to back pains, will do better next week! So here are my goals!

Fitness:

• Tuesday: Yoga (VDA) [X]
  
• Wednesday: Yoga (VDA) or gym (FZ) [X]
• Thursday: Yoga (VDA) [X]
  
• Saturday: Yoga (VDA) or gym (FZ) [X]
• Sunday: gym (FZ) [X]

Miscellaneous:

• E-mail: write replies to friends' e-mails
• Art: finish fanarts for Aesthetic Tribute for April 2008 [X] & Aug 2008 [X]; finish original art
  
• Website: update ari-rin.com [X]; update deviantART site [X]; update Aesthetic Tribute subforum [X]
• Fasting: make up some missed Ramadhan days
  
• Social activities: breakfast with Nurul, Pinah & Ka Jamie; dinner with June & Meela
• Domestic chores: organise bedroom; pick up drycleaning; send more drycleaning
• Shopping: plan shopping trip
  
• Job-related errands: attend 2-day seminar
  

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."
dr.rin | artist.mangaka

Weekly Goals: Week 45 [2008]

Last week was good - got lots of things done. Here are my goals for Week 45:

Fitness:

• Monday: Yoga (VDA)
• Thursday: Yoga class (VDA) [X] (ugh! body's aching like mad!)
  
• Friday: gym (FZ) [X]
• Saturday: Yoga class (VDA) [X]

Miscellaneous:

• Art: finish fanarts for Aesthetic Tribute for April 2008 [X] & August 2008 [X]
• Website: update ari-rin.com; update deviantART site; update Aesthetic Tribute subforum
• Social activities: breakfast/lunch with Pinah, Ka Jamie & Nurul; dinner with June & Meela; lunch with workmates; dinner with family; dinner with Jus & Kartinie
• Domestic chores: organise bedroom [X]
• Internet: sort out internet connection problem
  
• Clothes & accessories: pick up new clothes from tailor; pick up new sports spectacles
  
• Tuition: help Nurul with A-Level Chemistry
• Beauty spa: buy membership with Thann Spa

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."
- dr.rin | artist.mangaka -

Photo: Guess who??? XD

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."
- dr.rin | artist.mangaka -

Occasion: Aniki's & Rozi's Engagement

Last Sunday, Aniki and Rozi got engaged. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the ceremony due to work committments which I couldn't get out of! :( Fortunately, my dear cousin Pinah (a.k.a. Nomad) took some photos of the event at my house. I'm just waiting to see the photos from the actual ceremony held at Rozi's. Anyway, just wanted to wish the both of them many congratulations and best wishes!!!

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."

Weekly Goals: Week 44 [2008]

Not much to say - last week was mad busy, so much was happening. Anyway, my Week 44 goals are as follows:

Fitness:

• Monday: Yoga (VDA)
• Tuesday: Yoga class (VDA)
• Thursday: Yoga class (VDA) [X]
  
• Saturday: Yoga class (VDA)
  

Miscellaneous:

• Art: finish fanart for Aesthetic Tribute for Dec 2007
  
• Website: update ari-rin.com [X]; update deviantART site [X]; update Aesthetic Tribute subforum [X]
• Social activities: Lunch with Pinah, Ka Jamie, maybe Nurul & Nynna; Halloween party at Red Canopy Cafe; lunch with June & Irra; dinner with June & Meela
  
• Domestic chores: organise bedroom [X]; pick up drycleaning; send more drycleaning
  
• Shopping: buy more pretty material
• Clothes: pick up new clothes from tailor [X]
• Tuition: help Nurul with A-Level Chemistry
• Phone & internet: pay DST phone bill; pay Telbru & e-speed bills; inform Telbru about e-speed connection problem
  

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."

Totally sharp!

So today I found out that Irra (my office mate) knows my cousin through her brother-in-law (Irra's, that is). Gila eh, small world berabis! Anyway, Irra wanted to make sure that my cousin (Rozie) was the same person she knew. So off I went to google her name to find a photo and guess what I came across - turns out that Rozie's a bit of a sharpshooter. She was the best eagle eye shooter at the Annual Shooting Competition amongst Branches of Women Police in Brunei two years in a row! I found one Borneo Bulletin article for 2008 and a few articles from last year (here's an article from the Brunei Times). It's so amazing, my laidback cousin being the best shooter! I'm so proud of her! Congratulations, Rozie!!! [hug]

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."

Weekly Goals: Week 43 [2008]

Must do better! Anyway, weekly goals for Week 43 are as follows:

Fitness:

• Monday: Yoga class (VDA)
• Thursday: Yoga class (VDA) [X] (sigh, it rained heavily last night and I can't make Saturday class either... noooooooooo!!!)
  

Miscellaneous:

• Blog: clean up posting backlog [X]
• Art: finish fanart for Aesthetic Tribute for Dec 2007 [X]
• Website: update ari-rin.com [X]; update deviantART site [X]; update Aesthetic Tribute subforum [X]
• Dressmaking: send material to tailor
  
• Social activities: something on Tuesday (hehe!); dinner with Meela & June; lunch with Pinah and Nurul; Aniki's engagement [X] (unfortunately, I missed this due to compulsory attendance at Company Open House in Lumut! [sniff])
  
• Domestic chores: pick up car seat; organise bedroom [X]; organise computer area
• Shopping: pretty material
  
• Beauty spa: manicure & pedicure
  
• Job-related errands: Company Open House
  

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."

Weekly Goals: Week 42 [2008]

Not as many goals this week, but that could change as the week goes by... hmmm, wait! We're in the middle of the week already, maybe that's not realistic, but then, when are my goals realistic, haha! ;p

Fitness:

• Saturday: Yoga (VDA) [X]
  
• Sunday: Yoga (Zunic) or a walk [X]

Miscellaneous:

• Art: finish fanart for Aesthetic Tribute for October 2008
  
• Website: update ari-rin.com [X]; update deviantART site [X]
• Social activities: meet June and Meela for lunch/dinner; lunch with Pinah and Ka Jamie; visit Linda and her new baby; Art Day/Night
  
• Domestic chores: organise computer area [X]; organise bedroom [X]; clean bedroom [X]; send car seat to be laundered; pick up drycleaning
  
• Anime list: Amatsuki (complete) [X]

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."

The working life...

So I'm now well into the third week at work (though the "first week" was a joke, since I only "worked" for one day before going on a 4-day weekend for Hari Raya, haha!). It's been good so far but also rather tough, lots to learn but so little time (so what else is new?!). Anyway, just wanted to post a few photos of me and my WONDERFUL (NOT! haha!) new collegues AND friends, Irra and Jay. Oh yeah, during my interviews and so-called first day of work, I was wearing the headscarf (see first photo), just to be on the safe side. As you can see, the moment I found out that it's not a requirement, off with the tudong, haha! ;p

And here are Irra and Jay a.k.a. Firdaus (isn't that a cute photo of Jay, hehe). Irra's sharing an office with me, and she started working the same time as me. There's also Nani but she's working on the ground floor - I don't have a photo yet! Jay's been in the company a while, though it doesn't show, hahaha! >;D Anyway, he has an office of his own, but it's ok, I bet he's lonely, hehe. So hope this working life remains smooth-going, satisfying and fun - Amin!

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."

Weekly Goals: Week 41 [2008]

60% - Not bad, not bad... it's getting there! Anyway, my weekly goals for Week 41 are:

Fitness:

• Monday: Yoga class (VDA)
• Tuesday: Yoga (VDA)
  
• Thursday: Yoga (at home) [X]
  
• Saturday: Yoga (at home) [X]

Miscellaneous:

• Blog: clean up posting backlog [X]
• Art: finish fanarts for Aesthetic Tribute for April 2008 [X] & Aug 2008 [X]
• Website: update ari-rin.com [X]; update deviantART site [X]
• Social activities: meet June for lunch; meet up with Meela; Hari Raya celebration at work; lunch/dinner with Pinah and Ka Jamie [X]; visit Linda and her new baby [X]
• Accessories: send material to the tailor
  
• Shopping: yoga blocks
  
• Domestic chores: organise computer area [X]; organise bedroom [X]; clean bedroom [X]; pick up drycleaning
• Anime list: Nodame Cantabile (episodes 9-23) [X]; TRC Tokyo Revelations (complete) [X]; Amatsuki (complete) [X]

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."

Best wishes to all...

It is almost the end of the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. I think it was a good day, albeit a bit tiring. Tomorrow will be even more hectic, I think, but oh well... Right, just wishing every Muslim out there:

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI!!!
MAAF ZAHIR DAN BATIN!

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."

Weekly Goals: Week 40 [2008]

I did pretty okay last week, though I should aim to get more and more done, till I can achieve at least 85% of my goals each week. I'm also happy since I managed to get some artwork done! XD Will post something about that later. Anyway, here are my goals for the week:

Fitness:

• Monday: Yoga class (FZ)
• Tuesday: Yoga (VDA)
• Friday: Yoga (VDA) [X]
  
• Saturday: Yoga (VDA)

Miscellaneous:

• Art: finish fanarts for Aesthetic Tribute for Apr 2008 [X] & Aug 2008 [X]
• Website: update ari-rin.com [X]; update deviantART site [X]
• Social activities: Hari Raya open house; visit relatives and friends for Hari Raya
  
• Domestic chores: organise bedroom [X]; send clothes and car seat for drycleaning; pick up car seat; send more clothes for drycleaning
• Shopping: cleaning products
  
• Job-related errands: confirm arrival of referees' testimonials; start new job; sort out TAP details
  
• Anime list: TRC Tokyo Revelations (complete) [X]; Amatsuki (complete) [X]

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."

Weekly Goals: Week 39 [2008]

Not bad last week, but could do better! :( So here are the goals for this week:

Fitness:

• Monday: Yoga class (FZ)
  
• Tuesday: Yoga (VDA)
• Wednesday: Yoga (VDA)
  
• Thursday: Yoga class (FZ)
  
• Friday: Yoga class (VDA) [I can do a new pose! I think it's called "Clown"... or was it the initial pose of "Tripod"?]
  

Miscellaneous:

• Blog: clean up posting backlog [X]
  
• Art: finish fanarts for Aesthetic Tribute for Dec 2007 [X] & April 2008 [X]
  
• Website: update ari-rin.com; update deviantART site
• Social activities: sungkai with Nurul, Ka Jamie & Pinah; Tini's b'day BBQ
  
• Domestic chores: organise bedroom [X]; unpack the rest of the boxes from Germany; send baju kurung & car seat for dry-cleaning [X]
• Job-related errands: check if referees have sent testimonials
• Tuition: give Chemistry grinds to Nurul
  
• Gym-related errands: freeze FZ membership for a month
  
• Anime list: Nodame Cantabile (episodes 9-23) [X]; TRC Tokyo Revelations (complete) [X]; Amatsuki (complete) [X]

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."

Sirsasana in action!

Hehe, thought the shrinking effect looked cool... XD Anyway, my cousin Nurul (a.k.a. misery) was over for Chemistry tuition this afternoon and she wanted to see me do the head stand (Sirsasana). I took the opportunity to ask her to take a photo (it's hard to do that when I'm in a yoga class, hehe!) with my phone because my digital camera wasn't charged - dammit! The last time I did a headstand was on Friday (see previous post) so it was a bit touch and go today, hehe... I need more practice! But I managed to keep myself upright and away from the mirror/cupboard... I still think my shoulders are not as spread out as they should be and my arms are too far apart. It's tough when William's not around to tell you off, haha! So ta-da... behold my headstand! XD Special thanks to Nurul for her help! Domou!

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."

A new love...

Haha... hold your horses, because it's not about a guy, and neither is it about a girl (but I bet you all'd just love to get your hands on that kind of gossip, haha!)... It's about YOGA, Hatha yoga to be exact, which focusses mainly on Vinyasa! (and everyone sighs collectively in disappointment... except perhaps Rabz, hehe!) Anyway, if you've been keeping track of my weekly goals, you'd have known that I've been going to yoga classes since early July, and now that's all the exercise I've been doing. It's the one kind of exercise that is able to help with my lower back problems and general joint aches, thumbs up to alternative medicine, hehe! And thanks to my brilliant yoga teacher, William! XD

Right, the real reason for my finally blogging about this new love... well, this morning when I decided to drag myself to the yoga class in Mata-Mata after only 4 hours sleep, I didn't expect a miracle to happen... after less than 3 months of doing yoga, I am now able to sustain a head stand on my own... well, almost, the mirrored wall is there behind me just in case, hehe... but I managed to keep my body from it in the head stand position... Unfortunately, due to fasting and sheer exhaustion, I was only able to sustain it for several seconds, but that's good enough for now... I can't wait to see how I'd do once Ramadhan is over! :D So extremely thrilled at my new skill! Let's hope I can keep up with this new advancement... fingers crossed!

Note: Image was taken from White Lotus Yoga.

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."

Weekly Goals: Week 38 [2008]

Straight to the point, my goals for Week 38 are as follows:

Fitness:

• Monday: Yoga class (FZ)
• Tuesday: Yoga (VDA)
  
• Thursday: Yoga class (FZ)
  
• Friday: Yoga class (VDA); badminton [X]
• Sunday: Yoga (at home) [X]

Miscellaneous:

• Blog: clean up posting backlog [X]
• Art: finish fanarts for Aesthetic Tribute for Dec 2007 [X], April 2008 [X] & Aug 2008 [X]
• Website: update ari-rin.com [X]; update deviantART site [X]; update Aesthetic Tribute subforum
• Social activities: sungkai & coffee with the SAT; meet up with the usual suspects (haha!)
  
• Domestic chores: organise bedroom [X]; unpack the rest of the boxes from Germany [X]; pick up drycleaning
• Clothes & accessories: adjust spectacles' frame; buy lining material
• Job-related errands: medical check-up; request referees' testimonials
• Anime list: Nodame Cantabile (episodes 9-23) [X]; TRC Tokyo Revelations (complete) [X]; Amatsuki (complete) [X]

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."

A new beginning...

So another one of my 2008 resolutions was achieved yesterday when I signed the contract for my new job... Yes, you heard me, I am now employed!!! And not just any job, the job that I've been dying to get my hands on since I first heard about it! Uh-huh, the one with the Sungai Liang Authority. I am over the moon! Anyway, I officially start work on the 1st of October, which may or may not be the first day of Hari Raya (Eid), I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. Heh, personally, I'd prefer it if Hari Raya fell on the 2nd of October, since I'll end up having a 4-day weekend after just one day of work, haha. But seriously, doesn't bother me either way. Anyway, just wanted to share with everyone my happy news! xxx

ps: The image above is of a Koru pendant (identical to the one I got in New Zealand). The Koru in Maori culture is a symbol which represents new beginnings or new growth.

Update [14.9.08 @ 22:39]: I decided to change the design/colour scheme of my blog to signify a turning point! ;p

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."

Weekly Goals: Week 37 [2008]

Scratch that, my room is still a mess, even though I've done some organising! It's more work than I expected. [sigh] This week, it has to be done this week! Anyway, here are the goals for Week 37:

Fitness:

• Monday: Yoga class (FZ)
• Tuesday: Yoga (at home) [X]
  
• Thursday: Yoga class (FZ)
  
• Friday: Yoga class (VDA) [X]
• Saturday: Yoga (at home) [X]

Miscellaneous:

• Blog: clean up posting backlog [X]
• E-mail: write replies to friends' e-mails
• Art: finish fanarts for Aesthetic Tribute for Dec 2007 [X] & Aug 2008 [X]
• Website: update ari-rin.com [X]; update deviantART site [X]; update Aesthetic Tribute subforum [X]
• Post: special card
  
• Social activities: sungkai with Aniki, Rozi & Sarah; sungkai with Mum, Jus & Kartini
  
• Domestic chores: organise bedroom [X]; unpack the rest of the boxes from Germany [X]; pick up drycleaning [X]
• Tuition: give A-Level Chemistry tuition to Nurul
• Anime list: Nodame Cantabile (episodes 9-23) [X]; TRC Tokyo Revelations (complete) [X]; Amatsuki (complete) [X]

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."

Towards Ramadhan...

Wow, it still doesn't feel real to me that Ramadhan starts tomorrow... I have, however, said my niat but I don't think it'll hit me till tomorrow when I can't eat or drink anything! It's my first time fasting in Brunei again after such a long time, it'll be interesting to see if I can cope with it, especially with the heat. Anyway, I intend to go on as normal, going to yoga and maybe have a game or two of badminton with Rozi. Hope I'll survive this routine! Anyway, just wanted to say to all Muslims out there:

- SELAMAT BERPUASA -

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."

Weekly Goals: Week 36 [2008]

The house is finally starting to look like normal, still more boxes to unpack but at least there's light at the end of the tunnel! However, the state of my room is still the same, hehe! It will get organised this week! Oh yeah, Ramadhan starts tomorrow! Hope I won't get lazy to get my weekly goals achieved due to food deprivation! XD

Fitness:

• Monday: Yoga class (FZ)
• Wednesday: Yoga class (VDA) [X]
  
• Thursday: Yoga class (FZ)
  
• Friday: Yoga class (VDA)

Miscellaneous:

• Blog: clean up posting backlog [X]
• E-mail: write replies to friends' e-mails [X]
• Art: finish fanarts for Aesthetic Tribute for Dec 2007 [X] & Aug 2008 [X]
• Website: update ari-rin.com [X]; update deviantART site [X]; update Aesthetic Tribute subforum [X]
• Social activities: lunch with Rozi and Aniki
  
• Domestic chores: organise bedroom [X]; pick up laundry; send clothes for drycleaning; unpack some of my boxes from Germany
• Tuition: give A-Level Chemistry tuition to Nurul
• Anime list: Nodame Cantabile (episodes 9-23) [X]; TRC Tokyo Revelations (complete) [X]; Dragonaut (complete); Crescent Love (complete); Amatsuki (complete) [X]

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."