A Stranger Provoked Epiphany

Recently a stranger asked me how much I appreciated living in San Diego. This question immediately brought a rush of elation to me, as I knew that in order for him to be asking me, he had to feel an overwhelming sense of appreciation, and wanted others to as well.

I feel like once we acclimate to a situation, it begins to lose its luster. Whether it’s being in a new location, involved in a new relationship, or even how we feel about the friends we have. The honeymoon stage is quick to fade and the things we were once excited about evolve into the norm and we soon forget about the magic it once possessed. We live in an evolving world, where there is always something new, more advanced, or “better” than what we have now.

Coming from somebody that has multiple airlines phone numbers memorized and a new vacation planned every other week, this might sound like the most hypocritical thing you’ve ever read. It’s hard for me to stay in one place for too long, and I’m always itching for something new and different. I realize that always hoping for something greater and more fulfilling, can be both a blessing and a curse.

Although there is nothing wrong with wanting something fresh or a change, it’s so important for us to realize what we have in front of us and genuinely see and appreciate its greatness. I live just blocks from the beach, in one of the most beautiful places in America, complete with the best weather and amazing people. Coming from the rainiest climate in the country, I usually remember how lucky I am to be here, but there are times when I definitely am not as grateful as I should be. This attitude should be extended to how I feel about my family, friends, and even my own strengths.

Live to discover new things and never settle for being content, but recognize and appreciate what’s right under your nose :)

*I wrote this when I lived in San Diego - but never published it. Still remains a good lesson :)

Be a Role Model

I've always been the strongest advocate of each person having someone that they can look up to or admire. Whether it be someone older, younger, more or less successful, or whatever they may be, it is imperative to have these people in your life to shape yourself.

When I was younger, my role model for years were my camp counselors, Autumn and Jenny. They were probably only high schoolers at the time, but I was always so in awe of their "coolness" and humor and how they were always trying to have a good time. They made me feel good about myself and let me hang with the "older kids". I always wanted to be the best I could be in their eyes.

As I got older, i started looking for more intrinsic qualities in those that I admired, and I found myself becoming mangetized towards people with certain values and ethics. My youth group leader, Kelly, was probably one of my main role models during those ugly years of adolecense, always keeping us "kids" on the same adult level and giving us complete respect, but mentoring us with love and wisdom along the way. She taught me so much just through her actions about unconditional love and forgiveness. I was always striving to be the best person I could be to thank her for teaching me these things and really molding me into what I am today.

Recently, I found myself realizing that whether I realized it growing up, my mom has been a critical part of creating who i am today. We didn't see eye to eye much of my growing up years, but now that I am older and can understand where she has come from and why she is the way she is, I realize that I have definitely learned the most valuable lessons from her.

All of the people in my past who have contributed to my growth were mostly embedding moral values into me which I now practice on my own, but I recognize where they come from. Now is the time where I am looking to grow in other ways, practicing the values I previously learned while exploring different places and meeting new people. Now the individuals I look to as role models are those who know that they want out of life and are pursuing it, growing and accepting change.

Parallel Events.

As I'm checking out at the store, the checker looks at my Chocolate ZICO Coconut water and says "Oh wow, a chocolate flavor, that sounds good". I respond with, "It's amazing! Have you ever had the regular one?"

"No, I've been dying to try the coconut water, but am afraid to. I mean, what if I don't like it?"

Dumbfounded, I thanked her and took my things and left. The worst thing that can happen is that you don't like it and you never drink it again. Or that you're severly allergic and you break out in a nasty rash (But I believe it's safe to assume that there is only a small chance of the latter occuring). Imagine how many things this girl misses out on because she fears the unknown! It's just coconut water...

One cannot refuse to eat just because there is a chance of being choked. - Chinese Proverb

Kayaking in La Jolla Shores

We spent the beautiful Sunday morning Kayaking off of the shores of La Jolla. Wit equipment rented from San Diego Bike and Kayak Tours

Before hopping in the boats

Seals!

Me living the dream and letting Jesse do all of the work.

Nicole and Jon Jon

, we set off from La Jolla shores. Paddling along we came across harmless leopard sharks, and playful seals. It was so alive in the water with all of the other kayakers and swimmers, and we got an amazing view of gorgeous La Jolla from a new angle!

1/2 marathon

I went on a little morning jog and ended up running a half marathon. Time to sign up for the real thing!!

A Walk on Water

Every year when my friends and I meet up in Juneau for the holidays, we take a walk across the frozen Mendenhall Glacier to see the ice burgs and face of the glacier up close. I've seen it a million times, but it never fails to amaze me!

"When I grow up..."

Justine Kim: Student-of-the-Week 1991

"When I grow up, I want to be a jump-rope teacher, or a store clerk".

In my defense, the whole store clerk thing was because I was under the impression that at the end of the day, the person working at the cash register got to "take home all the money". I later learned (much to my dismay) that this was not the case.

As of today, I am now a "jump-rope teacher" for USA Jump Stars. I am so pleased that I can give my kindergarden self what she wanted, and also have an awesome way to be making money! I'll have two classes at two different schools, one in Oceanside and one in Encinitas. I am so excited to have this opportunity! Along with NUYO, this fits my schedule perfectly, and still gives me the freedom and flexibility to live my nomadic lifestyle. Perfect :)