Our Baby Rostin Doesn't Look Too Amused...

I Obviously Cannot Get Over MGM...

Room With A View

The view from our hotel room was amazing! Las Vegas, in general, does not disappoint. Blessed to have a a few moments of peace watching the world go by.

I don't think I really had the chance to reflect on our recent holiday. I've been swamped with work the moment we got back. One thing's for sure though - I had the most memorable time and I definitely would love to explore the US more.

Need to get on with my driving!

-R

Missing Vegas!

To Be Thankful For

This must be the first time in a few weeks when I'm just sitting down and at peace with myself.

First things first - I've been to America! :) It was only for a week but I had the beeeessssttt time. I would do it all over again if I could. I am seriously blessed to have such a big and loving family. Too bad there's the distance. But I think it's a good excuse to go overseas and see them ;)

Highlights of our trip:

1. Vegas! :D
2. Hollywood Walk of Fame and Universal Studios
3. San Diego
4. My first time at Sephora!
5. My first Thanksgiving

I'm not exactly a movie person but I've seen a couple of films while I was on the plane. I particularly enjoyed 'Begin Again' with Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo.

Next - I've just graduated with a masters degree! It was freezing cold in Glasgow but the ceremony was very memorable. I am glad to have given my parents the chance to witness my graduation again :)

Thank you, Lord, for all the blessings. I am home again and I still have half of the weekend to put my feet up and have some 'me' time before work gets in the way.

And, oh, it's December already! Hooray!

-R

No Matter How Long I Live in Edinburgh, I Will Always Feel Like a Tourist...

This is the first weekend since starting my new job. I feel so relaxed and ready for the week ahead :)

I have my parents to thank for paying me a visit. It's been tiring going around places but I know they had lots of fun.

LA holidays coming right up! Can't wait!

-R

Sombrero Sunday!

What a perfect way to end the weekend by tucking into a tasty burrito! Hats off to Zapatista Burrito Bar at Newcastle city centre for making our tummies extra happy! <3

-R

An Answered Prayer

Not too long ago I have had bouts of depression (not the clinical kind, thankfully). Maybe I should stop calling it depression to be more polite. Just sadness. An overwhelming kind of sadness.

Although I did have a job that was very enjoyable (hey, who wouldn't like great sushi discounts?!) and I did get along well with my colleagues who I definitely consider my friends, there was just a slight feeling of dissatisfaction in myself. I am content with what I have and I always pray that I will not long for more than what I need, however, when one has been in education longer than one should have, there is always this pressing need to search for greener pastures.

Not to mention having friends who have moved on to more successful roles (I am genuinely happy for them - don't get me wrong!) and family members who pretty much just expect a lot more from you (I know they mean well).

I would just like to acknowledge the power of prayer in this one tearful night when I felt lost in a sea of longing, expectations and low self-esteem. Literally a few minutes after asking from God for the patience and guidance to go on, I received a job offer which I didn't even apply for. The past few days have been surreal and it's just wonderful to know that we have a mighty God who is just bigger and much more significant than all our doubts and worries combined.

Although I am quite scared of all the moving out and starting a challenging role in clinical trials, I am really looking forward to the next day.

I wish all of us the best and may God be with you.

-R

I have a job!

Thank you, Lord! <3

-R

Can Asians Drive?

At this point I would like to make it clear that I am not implying anything racial.

Or maybe I am - but I definitely do not mean to.

Sigh. I had my roundabouts driving lesson part 2 today and it just did not go too well. Can't really blame the rain and the darkness. Everytime I approach a roundabout, my mind runs around in circles. Excuse the pun.

I'm trying. I hope this is just one of those times when one looks back and laughs at how hard it used to be but turns out to be okay in the end.

Off to make sense of where I'm going wrong. Ta ta!

-R

Of Pleasantries and Stuff

*High-pitched Tyler Oakley voice* 

Well hello, there!
/HPTOV

In all seriousness... hi. Over the past few years I have had the urge to write something - anything - and actually build on it and not have it deleted forever.

Here's to hoping I may never stray away from writing and from creating things. Here's to hoping that in case any of those two things do happen, I will dust myself off, enjoy a steaming cup of green tea and start again.

Here's to wanting to be a better version of myself than I was yesterday.

Okay, let's go!

-R

Autumn Reads

Here are two autumn reads that shall keep me occupied during the next few days...

The Mysterious Howling is the first book ofThe Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series by Maryrose Wood. I have started reading this a while back and I have yet to complete around 25% of it. I am liking it so far. Not as dark as I expected but definitely worth checking out especially if you're into the likes of Lemony Snicket. Review to come soon so watch this space.

Ghostgirl Homecoming by Tonya Hurley is a random one I picked up from the library. As you can see I am in the mood for something Halloween-y as the festivities approach. I am not exactly one to dress up and be out and about but I do enjoy a good paranormal read or two.

Hope you've picked out your reads for this month!

-R