Happy Birthday, Mummy-chan!

Wishing my wonderful okaa-chan a brilliant birthday today! You certainly got a great advanced birthday present last Saturday - your very first grandchild!!! XD Anyway, hope you had a good time at dinner! Simple but it's always good to eat with family, hehe! Love you lots, Mummy dear! xxxx

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

Welcome, Dyanna Haslan!

Today at 13:28, there was a new addition to the family - DYANNA HASLAN - daughter to my brother and sis-in-law! Congratulations, you two! And well done, Rozi, it must have been tough work! But it was totally worth it because Dyanna is BEAUTIFUL!

Anyway, my parents and I went to visit them at the hospital this evening. The new grandparents totally doted on the little one. I wish I could cuddle her but am still a little sick so have to refrain for the time being. Ah well, I did manage to get a photo with Dyanna-chan...

So given my brother's interests in comics, you can guess where he and his wife got the name Dyanna from, right?! Hehe... I think it's a lovely name, though I did warn my bro that I might just call her "Shazam No. 2", haha. Aniki was none too pleased about my plan, so I'll just called her that when he's not around, hehe. Just kidding, Aniki! ;p Anyway, syukur alhamdulilah to the safe delivery of little Dyanna! May she have a wonderful future ahead!

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

2010: Year of the Tiger - Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Ooh, tomorrow's Chinese New Year! Angpow galore, hahaha! Anyway, Gong Xi Fa Cai to all those celebrating. Coincidentally, it's also St Valentine's Day, so much love to all, hehe! ;D

Oh yeah, lots of February birthdays - 03 Feb (Nynna), 02 Feb (Dad) and 08 Feb (Laupan); HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

I'm currently on annual leave at the mo, so lots of plans - going to start yoga again from next Tuesday onwards (William, your studio is open then?), more drawing (I promise, Pip!) and catching up on work (unfortunately, hehe!).

Last night, I caught a movie called "Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief" with my niece, Pip! It was cool, I love mythological stuff, the effects were awesome, lots of familiar faces - I'd give it an 8.5! XD

Finally, a quick scene from the latest Skip Beat chapter (152) - can you guess who that guy is? Hehe, it's getting more and more interesting! >;) Can't wait for the next installment on 20 February 2010!

"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."

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."

Occasion: Three's Company!

A quick message to wish my three dearest people a brilliant birthday! Alles Gute zum Geburtstag, Lotta (13.08), my goddaughter Erika (15.08) and Elenita (17.08)! Miss you all lots! xxx

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."

And we have lift-off!!!

Hurrah for E-Speed!!! It finally got set up in the house this morning and the speed is so wonderfully stable and fast so far! Well, that's when using LAN, but I think the wireless connection is pretty good too! We got ourselves a subscription with a bandwidth of 1Mbps - thanks, Dad! XD So I think I shall be online more often these days, so look forward to lots of blogging, facebooking and chatting next week, hehe! This week is "Organising The House" Week, because my parents are now back in Brunei, and here to stay! Yayyy! I'm really happy, despite some temper-raising moments, haha! Anyway, will blog more later! Tschuss! xxx

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."

Occasion: Birthdays Galore!

But only one turned 62 today, hehe! That would be His Majesty, The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, so a very happy birthday - Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik! XD

I have quite a number of friends whose birthdays fall on the same day! What a coincidence! So here they are: Meela, Graham & Julien (a.k.a. LMG - you must ask him yourself what this stands for, haha!) - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, YOU GUYS! [hug]

Other birthdays in July included those of my cousin, Nurul (we had a mini celebration at her house last Sunday - photos later!) and Ann-Marie (a dear friend from my A-Level days). Hope you two had a brilliant birthday!!! [one more hug]

And finally, belated (sorry!) birthday wishes to Terry, Cidalia, Gary (and congratulations also to Gary since he recently passed his Ph.D. viva - hmmm, I should call him Dr Gary, hehe!), my cousin Yusri and Nuala who celebrated their birthdays in June - hope you guys had a good one! [yet another hug]

And I think that brings me up to date with people's birthdays - next one is pretty soon! Later! xxx

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."

Occasion: Message for Mummy!

Yeah, it's my mum's birthday today! Unfortunately, my bro and I weren't able to celebrate it with her this year since she and Dad are still in Germany! :( Anyway, hope she's having a brilliant day in Berlin, even though things are somewhat busy at the moment. Anyway, love you, Mummy! XD

Oh yeah, another good thing happened today, but I won't blog about it yet, hehe! Maybe tomorrow or the next day. Sorry for making everyone wait! I'm waiting to get the photos! ;D Anyway, catch you later!

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."

Photos: First day in Frankfurt!

Yayyy, I have interweb access in the hotel room in Frankfurt, and damn fast connection too! XD Anyway, felt like blogging so instead of doing a huge post about this trip, I'll do so in sections, so here's a recap of today's events!

We left Berlin at 9.30 am, though Dad said we were meant to leave at 9 am sharp. I actually was ready on the dot (though it caused me to forget to bring my camera! Hence, photos taken on this trip will not be of great quality since I'm using Dad's 2 Megapixel camera phone!) but the parents were dragging their feet! :p The drive from Berlin to Frankfurt took almost 8 hours! O.O It's not meant to take THAT long! [sigh] We had to make an important stop as well as an important detour... well, important in my parents' eyes, anyway, haha! Let me explain...

First important stop was in the form of... well, what is something Bruneians always think of... that's right, FOOD! XD My parents, especially my dear mother, are in love with this pastry called "Apfeltasche", literally translated as "apple bag", I think! They kind of look like little triangular bags, hehe. Extremely yummy when fresh! Anyway, Mum kept going on and on about it, even went on to say that the ones you get on the way to Austria were even better! I bet you she'd drive to Austria not to see the place but to get these pastries, haha! XD Hehe, doesn't my mum look so happy with her Apfeltasche!

Okay, that next important detour has to do with... what else, FOOD! Seriously! When we met the Bruneian students in Germany a few years back, it was in Mannheim, where my parents discovered a Turkish restaurant called Istanbul (unique name, isn't it... NOT!). They love the place sooo much, they would take a 2-hour detour from their destination just to go there! Not joking! So when they knew that it wasn't too far from Frankfurt by car, they decided once again to make that detour, arrggggh! However, they were a little disappointed this time, it seems the food was no longer as good as before. Ah well, I think that'll stop their little detouring habit, hehe! ;p

Well, not much else happened today. Oh wait, two things worth mentioning, but I might not mention one of them in this post because it's far too disgusting! Thinking about it just makes me want to gag! Anyway, the other thing was that the extra bed (for me!) that was meant to be placed in the living room of my parents' suite - reservations thought the daughter (i.e. yours truly) happened to be less than a year old, hehe. You can imagine the bed they set up for us, haha! XD Anyway, that's it for today's adventure! Will update again hopefully tomorrow! Gute Nacht!

Please note: Learning German has definitely caused problems in my English grammar! I've changed three errors so far, of which I will not mention in order to save me from the embarrassment, haha!

Second note: I just made AND fixed a grammatical error in my first memo! XD The situation's far worse than I thought!!!

"Beginning is easy, continuing is hard."

Photos: A bunch of cuties!

My mum and I flew to Dublin late April for a 3-day trip! We were staying at Christinah's - hired a car for the visit. When we arrived at the house in Naas during the night, I got the shock of my life. Just as I was about to ring the bell, the door swung open to reveal an extremely tall person wearing a brown tudong and green galabeyah (that's what it's called in Egypt, anyway!). I thought I got the wrong house, when I realised it was Andy, Chris' husband! Tekajutku eh! Apparently, he was going to a relative's 21st birthday party which was fancy dress! Entah where he got the idea to wear that outfit, haha! Anyway, had a good laugh about it!

However, the title of this post isn't meant for Andy in his outrageous costume. One wouldn't call him a cutie in that gear, haha! >;p No, the title post is meant to reflect my wonderful ever-so-cute goddaughter, Erika and her ever-so-cute little brother, Aaron. I didn't manage to get many photos, just the few you see above. Now these two are DEFINITELY a bunch of cuties! Must have gotten the cuteness from the mum! Kidding, Andy, kidding, hahaha! XD

Photos: L'boro Liaisons

If you've read several posts back, you'd know that I arrived to a group of 11 Bruneian students from Loughborough University, UK, on the day I returned to Berlin from my Brunei trip! Haha, not that I didn't know about their visit! Anyway, two of them were my cousins, Jerry and Dk, both are in the second photo of the collage below. As I said before, I didn't get a chance to spend much time with them as they were flying the next evening. :( Plus, I don't know if I was good company, seeing that I was suffering from jetlag (fell asleep at the cinema, even though I was the one who suggested going, hehe!). I think the students had a good time, they're addicted to karaoke, that's for sure, haha! I also got a cool L'boro Uni hoody as a gift - love it! Thanks, guys! And Dk, thanks so much again for the Starbucks England mug - I owe you one! My friend says thanks as well, hehe! XD Jerry, are you still as tanned as that time??? Also, I want to thank Mas for the photos - "stole" them off her facebook album, hehe! Anyway, lots of luck for your exams, everyone! :D

Photos: During my last trip to Brunei

I can be extremely lazy with the camera, sometimes I don't even use it at all when I'm back in Brunei. But last trip back, I did use it quite a bit, especially during Aniki's birthday and makan2 at Christinah's family home. By chance, she was back in Brunei the same time I was there. At the makan2, Erika was soooo exhausted playing with the other kids, when it was time to change for bed... well, you can see from the first photo, hehe. Actually, it looks a bit like Erika's being dragged along the floor by the back of her shirt, haha! XD I met Chris' sister, Amy again - the first and last time (before the makan2, that is!) I saw her was at Chris' wedding years back! Anyway, we hit it off so well, we have no qualms regarding friendly bickering, hehe. I also met Hasnita after such a long time, I'd forgotten she's Chris' cousin!

Anyway, I usually try to hang out with my family and friends as much as possible when I'm home. Meela and June are my regular hangout buddies, I've known them since Form 1! The photos below were taken at Coffee Bean in Gadong Centrepoint, and what do most Bruneians do when they're in a cafe with Wi-fi? Why, surf the net, of course! :p

I also try to meet up with Liza, Adeline and Ka Sur as much as possible. Rozi's a great gym buddy, though we also go shopping and hangout at Red Canopy a lot, Aniki's brilliant for belanja makan... well, belanja, fullstop, hehe! I started hanging out with Jus and Amy as well, will hopefully be doing more of that when I'm next back in Brunei. Didn't managed to see Siti since she's always crazy busy with work!

As most of you probably know, my usual hangout is the Red Canopy Cafe in Batu Bersurat, the owner is Rozi's cousin, Sophian (spelling?). The usual suspects (other than myself, Aniki and Rozi) are Fel, Wina, Serena (owner's sister) and Asyraf. Oh yeah, Ash lost a bet or something with Sophian - the penalty? Ash had to be a waiter for a day (without pay!) at the new foodcourt in Kiulap, also owned by Sophian. Haha, the outfit so suits him! >;p I doubt you'll see this again!

I did do other things last time I was back, but I've no photos to show for it, so I'll leave it at that. I can't wait for my next trip back to Brunei, hehe! XD

Photos: Aniki no otanjoubi

I was back in Brunei around the Easter holidays, so I actually managed to celebrate my aniki's (aniki = older brother) 35th birthday with him this year! It's been a while, the last time I remembered being around for his birthday was when he was still studying in Dublin and that's over 5 years ago! So I'm happy I was able to make this birthday! :D

Anyway, the party was held in the Red Canopy Cafe, our usual haunt. It was organised by yours truly and Aniki's girlfriend, Rozi! The "Superman" birthday cake was ordered from Baker Lyn (where else, hehe!) and other desserts were ordered from Aunt Linda who's a pro at making Western style cakes and desserts (Anyone interested in ordering cakes, let me know! ;D Hehe!). Anyway, the party was meant to be a surprise, but come on, who could surprise Aniki! He's as sharp as a needle! The party was a hit, I think everyone had a great time! Here are several random photos from the event:

However, the person who enjoyed it the most was Aniki! Lucky so-and-so, look at the numerous cool presents he received! So jealous!

By the way, the 7 in the last photo stands for the date of his birthday: 7th April. Right so, that's it about the party. Anyone who wants the original photos, drop me a line! :D

Occasion: Selamat Menyambut Hari Jadi Ke-65!

Haha, practicising my Malay while I'm at it! Anyway, today is my dad's 65th birthday!!! O.O So just wanted to wish him "Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!" - lots of best wishes for now and the future. And following the motto of the Carlsberg ads (of all things!), "Probably the best dad in the world!", haha! XD We love you, Dad!

A weekend of kawaiiness!

The last weekend of my last visit to Dublin, I went over to Christinah's and Andy's new abode in Naas - a huge house, lots of room inside and out, I love the attic despite all the little (spooky) doors around it, haha. Anyway, that was on the Friday. My goddaughter, Erika, decided to do a little cosplay for her most favourite godmother, ahem, ahem! ;D Can you guess the fairytale character? It so does suit her! :D Really cute!

On Sunday, I met up with them again, along with Chris' cousin and friend. It was Chris' birthday so we went to Yamamori Sushi on the quays and then Butlers Chocolate Cafe for a bit of post-dessert.

Who's this? Why, it's Chris' and Andy's son, Aaron! He's becoming cuter everyday, and he's got the funniest little laugh and the most adorable smile - when he's not grumpy, that is, hehe. Finally, more photos from the restaurant!

[my favourite photo]

Illustration: Ein gutes neues Jahr!!!

I had a bit of time today, so I decided to do a quick CG illustration for the new year! Thanks to Fifah, I'm more encouraged to do CG works. So with this greeting card, I'd like to wish all my family and friends a happy new year! Lots of love and plenty of best wishes to all!

And with that, I have beaten my October posting record of 14!!! So now I'm off to play some fireworks and then enjoy a midnight celebratory meal (it's laksa, yummy!), courtesy of my mum! ;D I bid you all and the year 2007 adieu!!! [muah]