I’m quite rusty to do a weekly travel blogging challenge like the one I did back in 2017 (Is it almost 10 years??!), nonetheless I’d like to get back on track with a monthly challenge.
Here are the challenge topics for 2025, good luck to us all!
January: Share a step-by-step guide to successful morning routines
February: Curate a list post of must-read books for personal care and growth
March: Provide a detailed guide on setting SMART goals.
April: Create a 30-day plan for a mindfulness challenge and invite readers to join
May: Analyze psychological studies about handling criticism constructively.
June: List techniques for building emotional resilience.
July: Organize a weekly contest to help your lifestyle blog readers break bad habits.
August: Prepare helpful tips on maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
September: Publish a personal story about overcoming a fear.
October: Discuss the benefits of journaling for personal development.
November: Describe your meaningful endeavors in life
December: 12 Family and Friendship quotes and thoughts
Opening a page from an old book, I’m surprised to see how full of optimism and hope I had a year ago. I had the desire and inspiration. We were mere babies a year ago!
Here I am- feeling warmth from the holiday lights, and the seeping cold of the heart.
Where did this bitterness come from. Why do I so often feel helpless and stuck. Short fused.
I’m doing all the same things, but lost the color.
I try to better others. Am I considering myself? Time for some humility.
As an introvert, a lot of things tend to be a solo venture for me.
This summer has been a roller coaster, for the first time, with plans stacking back to back on weekend.
I’ve made a few new friends and rekindled with a few old ones. In the meanwhile, also maintaining family relationships.
In the calm after the madness, I am thankful for the energy of life and feel fortunate to be in this world today. My thirties is kicking off to a good start. I am pleased to give myself the space to be imperfect and give space to take care of my needs mentally and emotionally. I am feeling stability and enjoying company of deepened relationships of family and friends.
Immediate progress excites me. I like collecting skills and hobbies, but never deep into the world.
I love the starting and the doing, unfortunately without my much mindfulness into what I’m doing. Spark fizzles out. This is why I’m scared of committing fully into things. For the longest time I have been insecure about what I’m good at.
What, then, am I good at?
Exactly at what I’m not good at. Starting things. My impulsive tendencies gets me to commit myself and is my way of doing things where I would not otherwise. Because I am the way I am:
6 month Study Abroad
6 month solo travel in SEA
3 month USA roadtrip with Cuong
3 month Central America trip with Cuong
Lived in NYC with Cuong
Worked as English teacher, Vietnamese interpreter, car salesman, project management, and learned a lot in each world
Multiple Europe backpacking trips with Tam and Cuong
Lived in Atlanta
Of course, there is room for improvement, delve deeper. Master of some.
It is incredible to see how time has flown. My first embroidery gifted to my mom for her birthday. I started this project Fall of 2023. It is finally completed Spring of 2024.
When looking at the picture I feel that I can always go home, because my mom will be there.
As time passes, I think of how many more days will I get to come back to visit my mom. How many days have I prioritized coming home. These are little reminders that tell me that home is where my loved ones are. I will be home again soon. One day soon.
As a big milestone birthday is coming up, I went back and forth on what to do, what to do.
I wanted it to be something special that I can remember, so my last few years’ birthdays of staying at home and having a picnic in the backyard was out. Though, that was very enticing and almost won!
Should I go big and celebrate at the historic resort? Or rent a nice Airbnb and go downtown? As I was wandering around the internet for awhile, I found this beautiful cabin near Asheville.
The listing caught my eye instantly, for its rustic wooden cabin color. I was drawn to the bunk beds set up hosting up to 7 guests and pets welcome! We were considering boarding Mai, our family dog, for the weekend. I was so excited that Mai was able to join the festivities.
The more I read, the more I was excited. Clicked to book.
Too soon. My stomach dropped as I looked closer at the pictures. The cabin was open on one side (no fourth well). Ah! In the middle of March, I was worried of the cold for my family, especially my mom, who is very adverse to cold.
I made sure to warn everyone in advance that it will be cold, so they will pack extra layers.
The day comes and it was beautiful weather. We split into two groups: my siblings with Mai were to go first. Cuong and my mom came later so that he can help drive the car later when my mom finishes working.
The cabin was a short drive 30 minutes Asheville, and about a 1h 15m drive from our house. Not bad at all. We arrived in the afternoon, and as we’re pulling up, the streets were looking aesthetically very Ghibli. Houses had lots of flowering trees.
As we arrived, we let Mai out and she immediately roamed the perimeters. The rest of us explored the cabin’s contents. We assigned beds and checked out the kitchen as well. We had a propane stove, kitchenware, tubs, firestarting kits, seasonings. Surpassed our expectations!
After a bit of rest, we decided to go look for the waterfall to toss our dog into. The hike up was very beatiful. It was very green and lush. We hiked in flip flops and crocs because we weren’t expecting to hike. The way to the top was short. My siblings played lovely offline lofi and nostalgic soft music while hiking which made for a lovely mood.
Back at the cabin, Tam and Thanh volunteered to gather wood. They took the van up the mountain again where we saw big logs while walking the path earlier. Despite worrying for their ability to drive up the narrow road, I calmed my nerves to remind that they’re both adults now!
Thien and I stayed behind to start the fire and search for spring water. Thien worked on gathering small fuels, firestarters, and shaping up our fire. He also stopped to help me carry buckets of water from the spring nearby for our drinking and dishwashing later on. It was a simple life like no other.
A few moments later, I see the van coming down the mountain with the backdoor open and Thanh calling out to us as she sits hanging on the side. They gathered a floor’s load of wood! With additional wood, Thien was way more than equipped to start the fire. The fire started instantly.
With the fire started, Thien tended to the fire, while the rest of us prepped for dinner to be cooked on the fire. Our signature camping food “pig slop” includes fire roasted potatoes, corn, tomatoes, onion, mayo and seasonings. As soon as we saw coals red, we tossed the potatoes in there for about 40 minutes.
Memories: Late night poetry – finance talk – Next day Ramen, leftovers – Fire, more smores, hotdogs, Winthien’s wolf spider coming back to the same spot and getting caught, fire/string lights aesthetic, hotdog, ramen, Mai gets to eat nice too! – Mai cruising around like she owns the place.
Undoubtably, despite the initial uncertainties, this glamping trip became an unforgettable birthday celebration filled with laughter, fireside stories, and the simple joy of being together in the mountains. Most importantly, I am spending time and being together with my favorite people .
Letting go of the unreasonable expectations Letting go of the pressure throbbing in my brain Enough of the days and weeks ruminating and stressing Enough of being judged by standards that I have no say in Moving on from the people I should be pleasing Moving on from the system that I should be fitting in
Shed the layer of 20s Rebirth in the 30s A new era, a new Me
In reading the Art of Happiness, I am more focused on prioritizing my appreciation, contentment and joyfulness. I am meditating, and am grateful for every day. The Art of Happiness is to pursue activities that lead to wholesome living, and avoid activities that lead to suffering. What activities may this be and how do we move on from where we are to be renewed?
Thank you to Gerry C and Sue W for hosting the weekly challenge: Moving On
My husband and I decided to take a Europe trip to visit my sister while she was studying abroad in Ireland. It was especially exciting because it would be my husband’s first time in Europe. It was great timing because I was in a rough patch emotionally and physically – feeling stuck and overwhelmed with work and life. Without completely intending this, I was able to experience a lot in Euope that refreshed my mind and soul.
Ireland holds a special place in my heart as I have always felt connected to Ireland. Maybe that it was because I was born on Saint Patricks day, or that I love Irish music/accent/people. In any case, after visiting in 2020, I couldn’t wait to return.
🍀 Ireland trip highlights
✈ visiting the lovely sister in Cork. My sister and I travelled together to Ireland in 2020 and it was only right for me to visit while she’s studying abroad again.
🚙 road trip- driving on the left side on the right side of the car Pt2. green, green everywhere. Ireland has the most beautiful shades of green in nature. Looking at the greens is my favorite thing to do while driving across the country.
🍟 eating curry chips at Jackie Lennox
✨ Gap of Dunloe in Killarney is my absolute favorite place in Ireland. We are driving through a deep valley with high green mountains on both sides. There are sheep walking around everywhere. It felt like we drove through a scene from the Shire!
🧱cool old looking rock walls and buildings. I love anything old and medieval looking. Ireland is just the place.
🎵 Irish trad music in pubs is a great place to experience Irish energy. Irish people are not afraid to throw down some old tunes and party to it! Also, there are a lot of classic American pop being played in Irish pubs!
Lowlights: We need to learn manual to rent a cheaper car. Lots of cold, cold wind and rain.
Have you been to Ireland? What is a special place in your heart to visit?
Good old backpack from Central America daysWorked at this lovely Cafe in CorkCute streets in Cork IrelandCute streets of Cork IrelandOur car rental for the road trip Gap of DunloeBreathtaking view of Gap of DunloeBeautiful waters of Gap of Dunloe, IrelandProof we were hereOpen roads of DunloeBeautiful views of Gap of Dunloe, IrelandGap of Dunloe, IrelandWalking through the streets of CorkWalking through the streets of CorkPub experienceMy travel bag for most of Europe 🙂Backpack BackpackCool looking rock wallSlept through our whole trip, but glad she was there.This is me on 90% of our shopping trips. #shoppedoutWorking while traveling
A moment of stillness amidst the chaos, a reminder of the beauty of change. This is a perfect time to write my first post in this new-old blog. Winter Solstice: the word “solstice” comes from the Latin words “sol” (sun) and “sistere” (to stand still). This is because the sun appears to stand still in the sky at the solstice.
Winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, marking the transition from autumn to winter. There are many different winter solstice traditions around the world.
Winter solstice is a time of year when many people feel introspective and reflective. The long nights and cold weather provide an opportunity to slow down and connect with ourselves and our loved ones.
How spend winter solstice:
Spend time with loved ones. Spend time talking, playing games, or simply enjoying each other’s company. Don’t take company for granted. Today, I read that relationships drift apart due to a lack of connection, and a big cause of disconnection is micro-rejection (credit to Jillian). It is the small stuff that adds up, like looking at your phone while talking to someone. Some people celebrate the solstice by lighting candles, burning incense, or giving gifts.
Reflections on the past year. Take some time to think about the things that have happened in the past year. What have you learned? What are you grateful for?
Set goals for the new year. The winter solstice is a time to start thinking about the future. What do you want to achieve in the new year? Wherever you are in your life journey, know that you can always start anew, in the new hour, in the new day, or in the new year!
Practice self-care. The long nights and cold weather can take a toll on our physical and mental health. Make sure to take some time for yourself to relax and recharge. Identify the things you do that makes you filled with joy and energy, and make time for it!
Get outside. The winter solstice is a time of year when many people feel spiritually connected to the Earth. Even though it’s cold outside, getting some fresh air can be beneficial for your health. Go for a walk, hike, or simply spend some time sitting in your backyard.
There are many different ways to celebrate the winter solstice. Find what works best for you and make it a time of reflection, renewal, and joy.
Where am I this year? I am stepping into my 30s era and am looking forward to it. This year has been an adventurous one with many milestones! We had travels to Vietnam, taking a first cruise with parent-in-laws, a road trip to multi-cities Canada, travels to various places in my new remote job, bought my first car (!), taking some serious thoughts to settling down with my husband, and learning to take it easy and appreciating moments.
No matter what spiritual journeys you are on, from darkness to dawn, take the time to enjoy the slow pace. Enjoy the stillness of the long nights. When the light comes up, enjoy the start of a new season, with hope and renewal.
Christmas in Korea is a couple’s holiday. And to make myself clarify, I wasn’t single. I was very much in a relationship. I was traveling through Southeast Asia during this festive holiday. I had just finished..
…Continued on August 14, 2022.
… my study abroad semester in Singapore. I can only imagine what I was trying to write five years ago (already 3 years after my travel in Korea). Now we are 8 years after my travels to Korea! It’s amusing to read my old writing, opening a window to my past self and seeing my life struggles.
Anyways, Korea was the next leg after my Japan trip with my then-boyfriend, now-husband (spoiler!), Cuong. We had just gone through 5 months of long-distance relationship, followed by 3 weeks of traveling together in Japan. I felt immensely attached, and then separated from him as I continued my travels while he went back to the United States.
As usual, I fail at saying goodbyes, and couldn’t function properly, moping around for days in Korea by myself (now in 2022, I am still the same way with anyone I grow attached to).
Luckily, I had made plans to meet with a good friend I made while studying abroad in Singapore. His name is Timon (yes, I asked him about Timon and Pumbaa). It was an exciting time, with Korea bustling with festive energy. Compared to Japan, Korea is much livelier, louder, youthful, more colorful- kind of like a hipster little sister and Japan an older sterner big brother (with a kinky side- depending on where in Japan you go (ha!). Everywhere we looked, people traveled as a couple. Timon and I bonded over this and complaining about our love life. Neither of us with our couple, and are spending time with each other during the holidays where everyone else was lovey-dovey.
Timon introduced me to his friends Min Hui and Ayden. These three became my best friends for that week in Korea. We ate delicious food (tried cold noodles with ice in the bowl for the first time- opened my eyes!), drank together, karaoke-d all night, visited beautiful Nami Island, went dancing the night away at a gay bar. We had an incredible time!
Visited the famous location where Winter Sonata was filmed.The scene with the perfectly lined trees. Feeling young and making memories
Watching all the Asian dramas, this was the first time I felt like I had friends and part of a whole. Since Korea in 2014, I have seen Timon once more in Netherlands in 2020. We have both matured since we last met and are much different from our younger, wilder days. We reminisced about the past and looked forward to meeting each other again, perhaps in Korea??
I am fortunate to have him as a friend and rest in fate’s hand to decide when our next encounter will be.
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green, green everywhere. Ireland has the most beautiful shades of green in nature. Looking at the greens is my favorite thing to do while driving across the country. 
