The Little Things

Sorry things have been a little slow around here. I've just been taking some time off for myself to enjoy the last bit of my winter break. Besides you're not missing much in terms of my outfits. I've really just been living in jeans and boots and sweaters. In between catching up with friends and reconnecting with old ones, I can't help but smile and revel in all the things and people I'm blessed with. And honestly, it's the little things like eating lavender honey ice cream in the middle of winter, or witnessing a gorgeous sunset, or your phone playing the perfect songs during your run, or grabbing pizza with friends at 10:15 at night that make life really worthwhile. I've also been taking some time for myself. I started running again, not necessarily because I want to lose weight (though I do and it'd be a nice side effect), but because I just want to feel better about myself. That resolution goes hand in hand with the others. After a five-hour nap to nurse my first hangover ever from New Year's Eve, I really thought about what I wanted to accomplish this year and ultimately, I just want to be better and happier and that's just what I'm going to do.

My 2013 Resolutions:
1. Be more active: Work out for an hour at least 3 times a week
2. Be more fearless: Change isn't scary, it's necessary. And success isn't so bad either.
3. Be more confident: in my choices, actions, wants, and needs. Speak up more.
4. Be more carefree: Worry less. Don't sweat the small things.
5. Be better: a better friend, daughter, sister, teacher, student, and blogger.

What are your New Year's resolutions?

Until next post,
Jasmine

Everything Has Changed

I know I've had a rough week when the last post to be published here was my Halloween outfit. When I've had two cups of coffee too many. I drink tea religiously and only resort to drink coffee when I really need it. And I needed it twice this week. When I've let my friends see me in glasses. And when I've worn sweatpants outside of the house, and not to the gym. This week definitely kicked my butt, and I'm so relieved it's over and that a long weekend is ahead of me. And with a Lakers win and a quick Skype session with Jen last night, this weekend is looking to be an amazing one already.

Monday was a pretty rough day for me. I could hardly concentrate in my first class, and then in between classes that day, I got an email from my dad telling me that my grandpa on my mom's side passed away earlier yesterday morning. He's the last of my grandparents, and now they're all gone. While I can't say that I'll miss them, I think what's saddest is that I never got to really know any of them. All my extended family is on the East Coast or is/was in Asia so honestly, I'm not close with any of my aunts, uncles, or cousins. That's sad too. The funny thing about death is that it makes you want to live. Hearing my mom talk about her dad and the hard life he persevered through, and without complaint, makes me realize just how much I do have and how much more grateful I should be. Up until recently, my family and I never saw eye to eye on a lot of things. We still don't, but I think we're getting better at communicating. I never liked holidays because it forced us to spend time together, but I'm hoping that this year things will be different because well, they already are.

As a person who's normally resistant to change, I think I've embraced everything that's happened this year better than usual. And I think it's because for once, I actually wanted things to change. Going from being in a five-year relationship, to being in between friends and couple, to now being nothing to each other has been a hard, awkward, but absolutely necessary transition over the past year. I remembered being so terrified of being single and alone, and I think I even used that as a reason to stay in a failing relationship longer than I probably should have. In reality, it's not that scary or lonely at all. Sure it's a little awkward at times, but it's mostly liberating and new. I feel like a completely new person. While sometimes a memory will come into consciousness, or a wave of nostalgia will wash over me, or a pang of missing him will just hit me, I'm truly happy. Everything has changed, and I'm more than okay with it.

I will be back with a blog post on Tuesday! Have a wonderful weekend!

Until next post,
Jasmine

My Bedroom

Here are some snippets of my bedroom. You might remember that my family did an entire house renovation last year. Each room is now a different color and we got rid of all the carpet. Interior design is just another interest of mine so it was really fun picking paint colors and decorating my room. The only real splurge was my desk. Originally I had wanted to find a huge vintage world map to put over my bed, but since I have a queen sized bed, finding one that was big enough and also cheap was too hard, so I went with the cherry blossom tree. I remember when I lived in Maryland when I was 4, my family and I would visit D.C. when cherry blossoms were in bloom so cherry blossoms have a special place in my heart. I still have to put a sailboat wheel that I thrifted at a flea market last year above my desk, but other than that, I really love my room. We've been making memories in the same house for over 17 years now so this room has seen and known a lot. With my hectic schedule this year, my room is definitely more of a sanctuary than it has ever been. 

Until next post,
Jasmine

Through Thick and Thin

 

I want to look back on my blog and be able to remember happy moments that happened rather than just what I wore over the years, so here are some pictures from my quick weekend getaway to LA with two of my oldest and closets friends, Marilyn and Andrea. It was Marilyn's 23rd birthday which means we've now been friends for over a decade! The three of us have known each other since middle school! I'm so grateful that despite both of them moving to LA to go to USC, we're still good friends and stay in touch. Like I said in my last post, right now I'm just really trying to focus on things and people that make me happy--and these two girls surely do just that. Through thick and thin, these girls have been there and I'm just so lucky to have them in my life.

Over the weekend, Andrea and I left Orange County and went to Taste of Soul with another old and good friend. At first Taste of Soul was a bit overwhelming and a bit of a culture shock, but it was just really great to be immersed in such a contagiously fun and upbeat culture with hearty comfort food. After Taste of Soul, Andrea and I met up with Marilyn and her boyfriend. The four of us then headed out to the 626 Asian Night Market and got more delicious food and boba. Marilyn, Andrea, and I all walked away with new scarves which we then wore the next day (and in these pictures) after a night of talking and catching up. On Sunday, the three of us grabbed lunch at Green Street and then ice cream at Carmela's. The Earl Grey Ice Cream is life-changing!

I can't wait for more adventures with these girls!

Until next post,
Jasmine

Be Still My Heart

Last Friday I finally went to the beach and caught a sunset with some people in my program. We cooked hot dogs over the fire, made s'mores, and played Taboo. As soon as I caught a glimpse of the ocean as we drove along Pacific Coast Highway, I could feel my stress and cares roll away. I will definitely need to schedule in more trips to the beach if I am to remain sane through out this program. It's starting to actually feel like Fall around these parts so hopefully I can start wearing cozy sweaters and scarves consistently.

Until next post,
Jasmine

Simplicity

Who's the winner in a war that you're raging against yourself?

I feel like I've been in a constant state of conflict lately: I want to be independent, but I don't want to be alone. I'm still holding on to the past, but I'm also moving forward to a better future. I know I have (more than) enough, but I always want more. I'm overwhelmed, but underwhelmed at the same time with my schoolwork. I am most definitely my worst enemy and my biggest fan. I know I have the power to change my life, but I feel so helpless too. I've been such a Debbie Downer lately, and I hate that because I actually like who I am and my life...most of the time. Normally it doesn't take a lot to make me happy. I don't know when I got so greedy or so angry either. This week was just another weird week, and I have a feeling that it'll be like this for a while. Things are changing, and for once, I'm not trying to fight it.  If only life were as simple as the accessories I've been wearing everyday. This anchor bracelet has just been a reminder to strive for stability and simplicity. I'm going to work on thinking more positively this week.

Until next post,

Jasmine

watch - nordstrom

ring - jewelmint

bracelet - etsy

Photo Friday: Newport Pier

In my last post, I introduced three new series that will be a regular part of my blog now. Photo Friday's are one of them, and I don't think I would've started it off any other way than with photos from my favorite place--the beach. Being behind the camera was such a cathartic experience for me. The world just seemed to slow down a little, and became more beautiful and luminous. I started noticing little details again that I normally would've overlooked, like the "step up" words along a telescope on the pier, or the "live slow" sign on someone's porch. Today was my first day being unemployed. Robert and I spent the day doing two things that I love: shopping for stationary (grad school begins Monday for me!), and going to the beach. Since I had nowhere to be, I took my time and soaked in the sounds, smells, and sights around me. It was just the medicine I needed for my heart that has lately been weighed down by sadness and fear: sadness from having to say goodbye to my kiddos and coworkers at work, and fear of the unknown and of doing poorly in school. I find myself realizing that everything's going to change over and over again as if each time were a new idea. It's a little overwhelming. I don't think I'm ready, but I have to be by Monday.

Until next post,
Jasmine

Weekend Photo Diary IV

1 & 2. Night walks with Robert
3. Green tea in another cute mug with black and white cookies.
4. Cajun Salmon salad with lemon vinaigrette from California Fish Grill.
5. Sprinkles round two: Irish Chocolate and Banana.
6-11. First Flea Market experience where I scored a vintage suitcase for $5, found my Spring/Summer purse, and almost bought a sailboat wheel for my room (really regretting not getting it now...). Definitely bringing Robert next month!

Until next post,
Jasmine