To put into perspective, I started this blog three years ago. At that time, I was living in Manhattan and Staten Island. I spent my day in the busiest city of the world. Thinking about it now, it sounds more like a dream- a distant memory of someone else’s life. We had so much freedom in the hustle and bustle. It’s been quite a long while since I’ve felt anything like it. I was disenchanted with New York because big city life caught up with me. New York was so… fast. It became like the party that kept on going and I felt stuck. I missed my family. I missed the four seasons of the mountains. Since then, life led me to helping my family at our business, trying a life in Atlanta, and traveling Vietnam. Even though I live each day, one better or worse than the last, somehow time still slipped by. I realize it’s been three years and so much has happened. I’ve tried to keep my blog as updated as my motivation, life, work, travels allows me. It has been quite an adventure, jotting my thoughts down and seeing my developments over the years.
Category: life
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Volunteering With Fardos
I have grown incredibly attached to my Syrian friends, whom I volunteer with at Catholic Charities in Atlanta. Fardos, who had needed computer literacy help, was my first volunteer case.
She was always so gracious and thankful of my help. She had shared so many of her culture’s cuisine with me. I would have so many foods to bring home to share with my own family. She shared food with me that I would not have known about otherwise.
She is a wonderful woman, with 5 beautiful children: Hanin 10, Nemin 8, Hazem 7, Nagham 5, Reffef 3. These kids are full of energy, questions, intelligence. They love watching Youtube cooking shows and hacker channels.
Visiting her reminds me of my family when we first immigrated to the United States. Seeing her small 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment be enough for all 7 people.
I had loved her since my first visit, how she had learned so quickly. Our bond had grown over the 3 months that I have volunteered with her. We talked about our cultures and our religions. There is still so much to learn. She was a fiery ambitious, life-loving, dancer and it was exhilarating to see her around her children.
They are moving today to Nebraska, where they can make a better living. I’ll miss them all.
Today, I played Can’t Help Falling In Love on the Ukulele
This song was played really badly, I’ve been meaning to learn finger-plucking, and just did the simplest technique.
I think it goes quite nicely with the song because I’m “rushing in” to playing this song. I’d prefer to not edit it because this would be a good marking point to where I started out playing. I want to see myself get better! But I’m dedicating this to my boo friend <3
Today, I drew rain.
After yesterday’s resolve to post more, I had already almost not done anything for today.
My boyfriend says it looks like a woman with an umbrella head, but it’s okay, because I like it.
Really, it’s not too bad, right?
I like the rain. I like listening to it and looking at it. I don’t like it so much while caught in it though.
I accidentally set off my workplace alarm system by trying to get in through the backdoor. Troubled a friendly officer, having to come check the place out.
In other news, I’m completely hooked on Ender’s Game, a childhood favorite of mine. And, I’m looking into signing up for Krav Maga classes to keep life interesting. Neh?
Cheers!
Hey everyone, I drew sadness.
Trying something new to improve my skills.
I used to be good at art. Now, after years of letting go, holding a pen (and the fact that I’m using a pen, not pencil) to draw art makes me feel like a newbie.
I don’t really know why, but I felt very motivated to draw “Sadness” from the movie inside out.
And I don’t really know why I chose to draw something sad, which was what I searched up on Bing. I just started a new job, so it really should be a good thing going on for me.
Maybe it meant that I’m not doing all the I have the potential to do? Like, what is a hobby?
As a resolve to change my busy bee way of life, I’ve decided to take a picture of something I enjoy doing at least once a week (I’ll try for once a day, if it works out).
By the way, sorry this picture is so bad. I thought about redrawing so that it looks better to put on my blog, but I wanted it to be authentic.
My family is pretty artistic, and by “pretty” I mean that my brother and sisters put my newbie drawing to shame. Seriously, they’re, like, 10 and they have a Youtube channel with animated videos. Feel free to follow them!
My sister, 12 years old, animated this one:
She is literally obsessed with art. She spends 10 hours a day in the summer, just drawing. And when we come home at night, she still wants to draw.
My brother, 10 years old, animated this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hU7z5W_bUVY
He has lots of talent, which I think is such a waste that he spends most his time watching Youtube videos.
My other sister, 15 years old at the age of drawing this, is super talented. It’s a pity she’s so ambitious and is boggled down with 6 college and high school classes in a semester. I’m really pushing for her to continue drawing, but we’ll see.
I wonder if it’s the commute that’s bringing me down. For the first time, I have to commute 30-45 minutes by CAR. New York doesn’t count because at least I got to sit down in the subway train, and read a book. /sigh/
Well, thanks for stopping in!! I really appreciate your reading my blog. 🙂
Three Day, Three Quotes Challenge: Day 3
On the last day of my quotes challenge, I decided to choose another song. Here is one of my all time favorite songs.
It’s a lot of pressure to find a perfect quote to end this challenge.
Since my first two responses have been lyrics from songs, I feel a strong desire to do one for today as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=CWzrABouyeE
What a Wonderful World
I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people goin’ by
I see friends shakin’ hands, sayin’
“How do you do?”
They’re really sayin’,
“I love you.”
I hear babies cry, I watch them grow
They’ll learn much more than I’ll ever know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Yes, I think to myself
What a wonderful world
I hear babies cry, I watch them grow
They’ll learn much more than I’ll ever know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Yes, I think to myself
What a wonderful world
What a wonderful world
I hope you enjoyed the song! This song has been my go-to cheer up song, each line encapsulates a beautiful feeling. Some things in life are just beautiful in its simple ways. Ending the day with jazz and a sip of wine is my way to go.
The ability to do something isn’t so much a problem as keeping it consistent. Hope to be back for good now. I may be joining a blogging challenge again pretty soon. I just need to build up a solid discipline foundation. See you in the next post!
- Day 1 Response – Three Day, Three Quotes Challenge
- Day 2 Response – Three Day, Three Quotes Challenge
I am nominating:
- Express the Gabbiness , a blog on creative writing and reflection on life and culture
- Peppered with Stories , a very thought-provoking blog that connects the dots in life
- My Life Without Religion , a travel blog with lots of insight on life
Three Day, Three Quotes Challenge: Day 2
Every birth year, I look back and reflect on what life lessons in that year resonated with me most. I have been 24 years old for 4 months now, and I have experienced by far the most internal struggle I’ve ever been through. I’ve met and dealt with situations beyond my comfort zones.
For my 2nd Day’s Quote Challenge Response, I am choosing another song that I have come to appreciate more and more over the years. This song outlines the goals in my life.
“My Way”
And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I’ll say it clear
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain
I’ve lived a life that’s full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I’ll say it clear
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain
I’ve lived a life that’s full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way
Regrets, I’ve had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do and saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way
Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all and I stood tall and did it my way
I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried
I’ve had my fill, my share of losing
And now, as tears subside, I find it all so amusing
To think I did all that
And may I say, not in a shy way
Oh, no, oh, no, not me, I did it my way
For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught
To say the things he truly feels and not the words of one who kneels
The record shows I took the blows and did it my way
Yes, it was my way
I am nominating:
- Express the Gabbiness , a blog on creative writing and reflection on life and culture
- Peppered with Stories , a very thought-provoking blog that connects the dots in life
- My Life Without Religion , a travel blog with lots of insight on life
Three Day, Three Quote Challenge: Day 1
iWinta was nominated by Simon at To Cut a A Short Story Short, and please check his blog and many creative short stories!
The GUIDELINES are:
- Thank the person who nominated you.
- Post one quote per day over three days.
- Nominate 3 blogs per day to take part in the challenge.
It’s entirely voluntary and there’s no time limit for completion.
My first quote is going to be from a song that struck a chord in my heart most recently.
Smile by Judy Garland
Smile though your heart is aching
Smile, even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds, in the sky, you’ll get by
If you smile, through your fear and sorrow
Smile, and there’ll be tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through
If you’ll….
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear, may be ever so near,
That’s the time, you must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile,
If you’ll just….
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear, may be ever so near,
That’s the time, you must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile,
If you’ll just….
Smile
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN8oLGBNXpE
There are tons of great quotes I want to use. The fun part of this challenge for me is finding one that fits my feelings best.
And my three nominations for day 1 are:
- Rhythm in Life – an inspirational blogger on the beauty of life
- A Walk and a Lark – follow her on her beautiful hikes where ever she goes
- Life of Angela – a sweet character that shares her world with the world
A New Start
Things in life happens when they are ready to happen. When they are not ready to happen, all you can do is to sit and enjoy the ride. Life is way too short; take a deep breath, and go outside.
WL Reflections: May and June 2018
How much can you change in a year? It’s been more than a year after my reflection in May 2017. I have my journal and blog to thank for keeping track of my reflections and goals of in the past, present and future.
As with a lot of things in life, less is more. Here are some things I did the past couple of months!
Highlights:
I moved to Atlanta!
Since last May’s reflections, I have moved out of NYC and onto Atlanta. I have also taken a lot of time to travel and worked remotely in between. I spent 3 months in Vietnam in 2018, and recovered a little bit at home before launching my new adventures in Atlanta.
So I feel like my life is a bit of a mess right now, but at least it’s my mess. I’m doing the things I like to do, and following my guts to get me there. So far, so good. Except for initial panic of being alone.
For the first time in a long time, I was by myself.
Having no pre-aquainted friends or family in the city, the strange new city was intimidating to me. I was afraid of the crazy traffic, and the notoriously highway I-85 with a horrible accident rate of at least 1x/day. The summer heat of high 90 degrees also didn’t help. I wanted to give up and run away, back to the safe haven of my small mountain town.
Thankfully, with plenty of encouragement from loved ones, I calmed down. I spent the 1 month rent money; if worse comes to worse, I will just pack up my car and drive home. I stayed.
Things I learned in my solitude:
The importance of making connections
I was elated to find out that my classmate, from studying abroad in Singapore, happens to live 20 minutes away from my apartment. I also have relatives going back generations, also living 20 minutes from me. Great news! They want me to move in with them until I can find a job that can support me!
A time to self-reflect
Being alone allows time to reflect on the things I want to do and my goals in life. I started pursuing my hobbies again- something I haven’t done since HIGH SCHOOL. There’s a good 8 years washing along the waves of life. These days, I have been spending a lot time reading, writing, up-keeping photography, listening/playing music, and exploring the city.
On a Hedonic Treadmill
At this point in life, I’m finding many things I do or want to do quite confusing. Chasing after things will get boring after awhile, as happiness comes down to equilibrium. It’s not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness. I’m struggling with what I want to do.
A Proud Sister and Daughter!
While I enjoy living on my own, I also learned to appreciate my time with family a lot more. I particularly appreciate my parents for their support.
My 12 year old sister and 10 year old brother are animators on Youtube now! I’m so, so proud of them!
Please check it out and I would love to know what you think!
Winthanh, my 12-year-old sister is borderline obsessive with her artwork. Her DeviantArt contains amazing digital art, so proud of how far she’s come!
10-year-old brother takes after his artistic sister, creating his own style of animation. I don’t get the music they’re into these days, but the talent is real!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hU7z5W_bUVY
My parents are taking more time to relax and travel, which I’m very proud for. They have been working too hard in life, and it’s time they let loose a bit and relax.
Trying New Things
- Volunteered at a refugee assistance program, something that I’ve wanted to do since coming to the United States.
- Made artichoke for the first time. It’s so delicious, my favorite method is roasting them! This is the recipe I used for roasting.
- Gardened for the first time, which is a big deal, because I have a deep-rooted fear of earthworms. I’m now thinking of starting my own hot compost pile!
- I now have a fitness tracker! At first, I resisted, for fear of becoming too reliant on having fancy technology attached to me at all times. After 2 months of use, I disabled most of my notifications, and now loving the sleep tracking, step tracking, calling/messaging, and waterproof feature!
- Audiobook of the Month– Dante and Aristotle Discover the Secrets of the Universe is an amazing audiobook read by Lin Manuel Miranda, and talks about philosophies of life in the eyes of a teenager.
Inspirational Thoughts:
Studies show people who their deathbeds’ 5 top regrets in life:
- I wish I’d the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life that others expect of me.
- I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.
- I wish I had the courage to express my feelings.
- I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
- I wish I let myself be happier.
Habits Retained:
- Writing my thanks every night.
- Writing my goals every morning.
- Reading every day (books, audiobooks, Quora).
Some useful resources:
- Blinkist (read/listen) – a great site/app for book summaries
- Quora– general curiosity
- Medium– my new Quora, coming up with thoughtful articles on life, personal development
Best Quote;
By fighting you never get enough, but by yielding you get more than you expected. – from this amazing book by Dale Carnegie
Thoughtful question for YOU:
What do you want to be remembered for in your Eulogy?
Recent Blog Posts:
- Last Sight
- Mindfulness: Nothing Like a Blank Page of Paper
- Thoughts on Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Next month’s goals:
- Find work that I’m passionate about
- Write 2 blog posts/week
- Work on 2 more chapters of my book
- Passive Income Projects