Selfless

The more I work in the occupational therapy rehabilitation room, the more I get to see the struggle and pain behind each elderly person turn into joy because they are healing. Each day as we help them prepare for the outside world. With body  exercise techniques/mechanics they become stronger and more livelier as if they are living again for the first time. It is such a beautiful process to watch and observe, and it convicts me even more to continue doing what I'm doing. They are leaving such an impression on my life that I can't help but become more motivated to help the helpless. There are many times that I just feel like quitting because it is a very exhausting job. Many times, I also find myself wanting to do something for myself and live for myself. That's what I thought would make me hapy, but in reality, making an old woman laughing at a joke I made (Maxine Varon, 88 yrs old) or keeping an old man company (Raymond Foxgard 80), makes me even happier. No one can take away this simple pleasure, this simple interaction I have with them. I like to believe that I, too, have left an important mark on their life as they live and cherish the moments they have left. 

Aside from all that, as the therapist themselves teach me about various occupational therapy specialities, I see more and more on how intricate and detailed the body is. One therapist is a hand specialist, and to me it seemed like such a simple job, but Oh my goodness, the hand in itself has  millions of problems that need to be addressed properly. They must learn how to treat rheumatoid or osteoarthritis, and map out a plan to stop the fluid tissue from causing inflammation and deformity. There are so many diseases and problems that come with a single body part and how they are fully informed on the anatomy and process of the body just like doctors are. That is amazing to me... and something I did not realize till now. 

Dreams

I day dream a lot. I also ask a lot of what if questions, not only about the past but of the future too.

I think I do have  ambitious dreams- they all circulate with standing out and finding my true calling in life. A lot of people want to be artists, actors, musicians. But my dream is to share my passions and joy into a store. I really have a mapped out plan of a good store, and feel it will do well if I put my all into it. That's the problem, however, I have no risky bone in my body to change my course now. 

I wouldn't want my tea shop to be just an ordinary tea shop. I would work with third world countries to import all my teas so that I could help promote small businesses around the world. The whole point of the shop would be to bring people around the world closer together and share the benefits of tea, and how America could really make up for all the greasy, fried food they have been eating. Tea is beneficial for metabolism, and overall health. 

My tea shop would be set up like a buffet style, with different tastes and styles from around the world. It would be set up to meet the artsy, classy, vintage, and cozy atmosphere. I also want this tea shop to collaborate with up and coming artists like from etsy which would make it stronger on a different level. *sigh* But statistics have shown of many small business failing. I don't know if I can risk anything at my age and my lack of finances. But tis a DREAM. 

anyways, on a good note I found my dream place setup : 

                                                

How I celebrated New Years

You know this was the first year I ever celebrated New Years with another special person :) tehehe...

and I'm glad it wasn't in LA... but in WALNUT CREEK. A peaceful, calming suburban area where the backyard is seriously a huge mountain. Well actually I spent it in the city that night but the rest of the week, I really enjoyed my time in Walnut Creek. Eating out, hiking, watching a movie (sherlock holmes). It was perfect.  :) 

(photo credit: Sharon  Yi)

It was also the first time I met Philip's parents, which was seriously nerve wracking but ended up being very good. They were very nice and enjoyable people. I had dinners and breakfast with them and it wasn't awkward haha.

The new years started very well for me and financially sad for me. Pros: I start my shadowing of an occupational therapy today and work more hours at both Gyu Kaku and the Nursing home. I am searching for a third job, but it is getting very difficult. Another thing that made me giddy was that my mom stocked the fridge with never ending amount of soy milk. I love soy milk lol. 

Con: car car car. A stupid red light ticket, seatbelt ticket, registration, brake changes, oil change, smog check, and more. Oh yipee. I hate having a car and will be happy to get rid of it. :*(

Changes for the New Year

I am all about the blank slate. It's exciting for me to start all over or instill that sort of mentality in my head because it makes me feel better. It helps me improve the person I was and keeps me moving forward rather than living with regrets. 

So what changes do I hope to see? 

1) diet and exercise- ballet, fruit, vegetable

2) working (job wise) very hard 

3) no more unnecessary spending (save $10,000 by June) 

4) expand my artistic endeavors 

5) I also want to be extra organized, clean, and use my time accordingly :)