Wholeness

It's not about being happy 24/7... we are entitled to be in "pursuit of happiness" (based on our Dec of Ind) but in no means is it a guarantee.

There are going to be days maybe even seasons of uncomfortableness, discontent or sadness.
I'm coming to terms with it that these periods are ok. Sometimes all you can mutter is "I'm ok", sometimes you just cry and sometimes you help yourself to more than 2 cups of tea.
In these times it is when you as an individual can grow; only when you can decide to say, "I've had enough" and pick yourself up. Don't dwell there long but just enough ...
take steps like reminding yourself to be thankful, find the "little things" that make you smile, and get off your lazy bum to  be productive.

Wholeness is finding the balance.
There's good and there's bad- that's life. The important thing is to always remember Goodness wins. There's loneliness and there's company. The important thing is to not neglect either. There is right timing... sometimes solitude is better to learn about yourself and enjoy being single before caring for another and learning about another soul.
There's happiness, sadness and then there's peace and anger- don't let either latter get the best of you.
xoo, S
double hugs because somedays we just need hugs

I Crave Adventure

I'll say it again, "I crave adventure" .. so who's with me?
on a hike, to the beach, visit to the museum, baking a new recipe, a road trip...
maybe a trip out of here
An adventure can be anything because like they say.. it's not only about the destination but about the journey too.

London on My Mind

Changes... I used to despise cloudy, rainy days and considered myself a die-hard summer person.

This past weekend the long needed rain reminded me of London.
Super nostalgia hit me and I realized how different life was this time last year...  filled with learning to cope with independency and the biting cold & windiness of the city; one thing that has remained the same is the constant essay writing I have to do. haha ! I really hope I can return back to England in the near future.

Sidecar Donuts has superb donuts... the one pictured above is the huckleberry donut but their Butter Sugar one is one of my favorites.

Two weeks and then it'll be Winter Break ... looking forward to sleeping-in and enjoying Christmas!

To-do List: Finish off Fall Qtr strong!
I really want to see snow, go on a road trip & host a holiday or game-night (still on the fence though)!

social hour

 Pie Hole, Pasadena 

 Hiking at Eaton Canyon

Milk + Honey, Artesia
What a Saturday! 

 Somedays, I find myself needing that boost of laughter, quality time, and life sharing moments with friends and my sisters. Today was a good day...short but a sweet and strong reminder that God's placed some amazing people in my life.

Prayer is powerful.
Micah 5:5a "And He will be their peace."

Happy Living is through Thanksgiving

Yes, I'll admit! I am excited to eat Thanksgiving dinner and multiple slices of pumpkin pie with my family tonight. This year, we opted for the huge Costco pumpkin pie but will be cooking everything else!
This time last year, I made this pumpkin pie from scratch and shared it with my flatmates. At first my English friends were hesitant because the idea of pumpkin pie sounded so strange; however, it was so fun watching as they took their first bites and realizes it is delicious!

I'm thankful for this past year- 2 0 1 4 .
There's been ups and downs but each has been a learning experience.
Jesus !
Family & Friends
School
Job and Internship
Living Abroad and Traveling

Calm Before the Storm

 Today I found a new study spot and tried  Earl Grey Latte for the first time. It's a good alternative from coffee to get caffeine.

Thanksgiving is in exactly a week! So excited for the holidays because I'm back in America and can spend it with family.

_

remorse, impending 

grey storm clouds forming a far

want to say something 

Take a Hike

Ever get the urge to escape and surround yourself with some nature?
The air was so crisp and the trees leaves were changing colours so there were so many yellow and orange foilage. I was surprised there was even a river at the trail! It was awesome spending time with my parents and taking lots of cute couple photos for them! haha
I really like the second photo of the mini pinecone, leaf and pine... little reminders of how beautiful the outdoors is.

Go! Wake up early one of these weekends, pack a lunch, drive to a hiking area and enjoy exploring the area/ get some exercise. Don't forget to take water and a hat ! :)

"You are what you do, not what you say you'll do. "

I find myself wishing there were more hours in the day- but then again if I were to be more productive in the hours I do have I wouldn't have this issue ...
Let's try to utilize our time wisely this upcoming week!

xo, S

Tips to Manage a Busy Week

  Cold Brew+ Milk (w/ chicory root and maple syrup), Document 
Sometimes there's so many deadlines to meet that life gets overwhelming.
That happened to me this week- yes I know it is only Wednesday- but I got some invaluable advice that really put things in perspective.

1. Strength Based Approach- Positive thinking and recognizing all the achievements you've accomplished so far! You did so much and will continue do a great job :)

2. Take one things at a time- Yes, there is a lot to do; however, focusing on one project or paper at a time takes a lot of pressure off.

3. Utilize your planner but don't overkill- I'm a planner but realized that you don't need to always list out every single thing. Make sure to jot down what you need to be getting done and of course sticking in some reminders on cute post-its don't hurt!

4. Treat yourself - After working your butt off, take some time to relax.
For myself, I'm looking forward to squeezing in a quick escape to the mountains and hosting Brother's Appreciation with my church sisters this weekend!

Falling for November

     

Yesterday night it felt so nice falling asleep to the sound of pouring rain.
I took this photo after I got out of my car because the roses looked so refreshed... California's been in a drought so any rainfall is good right ?

It's the first of November and I realized there are only two months left until it is 2015.
The past 10 months of 2014 have been unforgettable -  I made resolutions in January haha when I make new ones in December I'll have to see how many I actually accomplished/ kept up with.

Today I spent the day with Esther! So nice catching up over lunch and studying together.

Weekend in LA + Pasadena

Ever since I got back from London, I get excited when I see palm trees. They're quintessentially California and I missed them a lot while I was abroad.  I also love driving through the highway underpasses of bridges.

This weekend share is all about my time in Los Angeles & Pasadena with my best friend, Angela.
We brunched with Scarlett who was visiting Socal from Davis then headed to Ktown. I got to study at the art studio while she taught people how to paint still life.  Saw good views of LA from the 14th floor balcony, visited Gallery Nucleus and ate some delicious udon and Japanese ramen for dinner. Can't forget to mention the gelato we ate, watching cop cars arrive in her neighborhood and then the laughs we had over the free secret book she's hidden since high school! From growing through life stages to traveling together to different countries, I'm so thankful that we're friends. Crazy that I've known Angela and Scarlett since middle school and now we're going to graduate college soon!

 I think this past week, I found the balance of handling my schedule - even better I got a head start to the work I have to do this week while having an amazing time the past two days.  

An early start

Waking up early is difficult, let alone on a weekend, but today I woke up early to grab breakfast with a friend, Jessica. It was my first time at Cachi Cafe and their hazelnut latte was the perfect caffeine kick! I also enjoyed nibbling on the lemon poppyseed scone in between our conversations. Jessica shared this quote with me today,
"Your actions speak so loudly, I can not hear what you are saying" - Ralph Waldo Emerson

It was a reminder that spoken words can often fall short and are forgotten but by taking charge of statements one says through actions-it will leave a lasting impact. So today I leave you with a challenge (for myself also) to speak kindly, be intentional and let our actions be a testament to the things we say to others.

xo, S

A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step - Laozi

This journey begins with a single blog post in hopes to enjoy and rest on the weekends.
Weekends because my weekday schedule is currently filled to the brim with an overloaded quarter of classes, a job and an internship but no complaints!
Looking forward to sharing with you a medley of posts from my life!
Explore. Pursue hobbies. Get things done. Taking time to breathe.

xo , S