Happy Holidays

Christmas Eve with dad's side

Christmas Day with mom, sister, aunt, future uncle, and mom's friend

WHOA

You know that moment when you've bottled yourself up with anger from the past and present and you're ready to explode at any little thing that comes your way but then you think about how good and gracious God is and every negative feeling just suddenly disappears? I think I just experienced that and let me tell you this.. it was mind blowing. Simply dwelling in his righteousness and kindness... MAN, I AM SO FILLED WITH LOVE. I can't contain it. I can't stop smiling. My heart is about to explode and I feel like crying and shouting at the top of my lungs from this unexplainable joy. It all feels so liberating. I'm free from the hurt, the disappointments, the bitterness. I'm free in order to forgive, restore, and rebuild. I don't even know if I'm making sense but I don't care! I am so happy right now.

My friends, when God moves it is so powerful. You can't help but fall onto your knees and surrender yourself to Him. God is beautiful. He is greater. He is the source of all my joy. Experience it yourself! Just allow Him to enter and see what He reveals.

붕어빵

A new challenge to be more mindful of even the smallest gifts of grace from our Father in Heaven.

Blessings of the day:

-My family and I realizing we got an extra order from In-N-Out once we got home. Paid for 4 burgers but got 6!

-Having a diligent and patient mom who knows how to clean beyond her physical strength and deals with my messiness.

-Finding out that my debit card was shredded by the ATM rather than stolen by a heartless individual. Replacement on the way.

-Seeing my sister's ankle drastically healing.

-Finding quotes that both pierce and soften my heart.

-Getting a call from my dad (which happens about 2-3 times a year).

-Being able to pray without fear or judgment.

Nikon Love

It's almost 2012 which means it's almost Nikolai's first birthday! He's been my loyal companion for these past 11.5 months. I did at times think about upgrading or switching over to Canon but in the end my heart belongs with him. I can't imagine letting him go when he's been there to lift my spirits or calm me down from various circumstances. Something about photography keeps my mind relaxed and makes me want to learn more about it. I'm proud of my pictures when they genuinely express my emotions and experiences and I'm also happy to learn from those that don't make it up on my Flickr.

Thanks for being so good to me, Nikolai. Mama loves ya!

^ One of my first photoshoots with Hanna and Theodore :)

BTM Christmas Potluck

95% of pictures taken by the girl below.

Brunch Munch

The Coffee Cup Café

Long Beach, CA

Mysa was stressing out about what to order (so many delicious choices!) and accidentally knocked her water over. Let's just say it was a very refreshing experience for me.

Viento y Agua Coffeehouse and Gallery
Long Beach, CA

Wish this place was closer to my house. I would come to just listen to music, read, or journal with a nice cup o' joe; however, major hipster alert. All a little too distracting.

Rants/updates:

-Didn't even realize it's 2 days until Christmas... which means it's that time of the year where I really reflect upon those two significant passings.

-Trying to spend winter break learning how to edit photos. Hooray for YouTube and Google! What would I do without you two?

-Catching myself reminiscing a lot of past events and memories with different people, some that've always stuck and others that've somehow been forgotten. It's fun looking back and laughing at the good times and the bad. These stories are great reminders of how blessed I am.

-It's sad that I can't remember how I met some of my "friends" on Facebook. I know that at one point in my life we spent a lot of time together but I just don't recognize where they're from.

-Had the worst back ache for the last couple of days. Took some meds, drenched myself in Icy Hot, got an hour long massage, and stayed in bed for two days so I could prevent a visit to the doctors.

-Being surrounded by so many Koreans is a strange feeling. I don't know how to act around my people anymore.

-Looking at my checking account and credit card bill makes me want to cry and hide in a hole until financial aid comes out.

Sunday Morning Coffee Fix

Decided to meet up with Vivian at Coffee Code since she was driving back home for the holidays. It was a short but good time to catch up on life. It's strange because I can't really point out when this friendship started. We just randomly hung out together one summer day, as complete strangers, and were able to carry off casual conversations like it was nothing. I'm glad to have gotten to know her though. She is fearfully and wonderfully made.





Hazelnut Latte and Sweet Potato Latte. Yum!

Aquarium of the Pacific

I had three free Long Beach Aquarium tickets that were expiring soon so I decided to go by myself and give the other two to random strangers. Apparently people think it's weird to go to such a place alone but I thought it was rather peaceful.