See you soon

We spend a significant amount of our adult lives at work. Google says we spend 1/3 of our lives at work, 1/3 of it sleeping, and the rest of it in however we choose--with family, friends, ourselves, etc. I've been fortunate to combine the 1/3 at work, with the 1/3 however we choose because by some form of luck and the universe's doing, you have accepted me into your lives as friends, and others as family. I have only fallen asleep at work once. 

This last year threw me many uncertainties and highs and lows. There were many days where I looked forward to sleeping to find some new reality in my dreams. But each day when I woke, I could still have a bit of peace in my heart knowing I was coming to see you. Over the last few months, I've found the storm to calm, and again able to hear my voice, one of which has taken me to something new, or something new to me. I'm not quite sure of the order, nor its significance. Thank you for supporting me and camaraderie in my time here. You have been my home away from home (metaphorically AND literally). 

Note/disclaimer: I actually have a photo of Wanjiru, but I’ve promised never to post any photos of her without consent .__.

2015 | Our Year

They say that your 20’s are the point where you develop and change most significantly, which I’ve experienced to be quite true (so far).  And through the changes, we align ourselves with the underlying theme to be better individuals, and often times that means being better to ourselves.  We’re lucky to have both those who grow with us through this time and for those with whom we may share with a brief moment. 

Moving to Beijing has been a life changing event within the first quarter century of my life. I've learned more than I had anticipated, but that seems to be the way things go when we're lucky. :)  I've gone through a large part of my life convincing myself that life is what fate allows, and then another part believing that life is nothing but a result of conscious choices.  My resolution this year is to work towards finding balance between these two aspects because life is a mixture of the two—to continue to grow and learn about myself even if I don’t like everything that I find out.     

My roomies from uni happened to ALL be in town this year, so we were able to get together and inflate over 500 balloons for the night!  Thank you Michael & co for letting us gather at your humble abode, and for everyone who was able to come together for the start of 2015.   I couldn’t have envisioned a better way to start the New Year with those I love so dearly at home.  Though I’m 5000 miles away, the distance has made my heart grow inevitably fonder each day.  I am so thankful for the times we have shared and for the feelings I am consumed with at the thought of these happy times :)       

May 2015 be a year without fear, and a year where we do what we love the best we know how to.  

Party Prep!!

Ok a normal one

Party Time!!!

Start the year right with bacon

Happy 2015 everyone!    

Love,
Daze

“If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together... there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart... I’ll always be with you.”

— A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

A Pacific Northwest Christmas

Christmastime, holiday parties, ugly sweaters, (ugly shirts), lights, booze, gluttony, laughter, and most importantly a mandatory time for those to take work off to be with loved ones even if only for a few days.  I find myself falling more in love with Beijing as the more time I spend here, yet also more in love with the Pacific Northwest.  My dad told me that when one goes somewhere new, it’s only natural to feel a longing/miss in your heart for your place departed, but if you choose to spend and invest enough time in your new space, those feelings slowly shift over to where you have chosen to call the new place home. At least this is when he knew home for him was the Pacific Northwest  I often wonder where and when I will have a place to call home of my own, but for now my heart’s still yours Seattle ;)

Here are some shots on Christmas day and the ugly sweater/shirt party-- YEAH GLUTTONY!!

Appetizer

so hot

“A bear, however hard he tries, grows tubby without exercise.”

— ― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

 Love,
Daze