Professional Job Hunter.

Well, it looks like I'm going to be a professional job hunter. Not really, but I'll feel like it. While my job at the museum is still not quite full time, I need to start searching for a second part-time job. Too many financial obligations and responsibilities. After paying my rent, car payment, Internet, loan payments, and other bills, there's just not a whole lot left at the end of the month for anything. It is kind of depressing knowing that my entire check is already spent. I recognize that I'm just starting my career and it will be tough at first. I just hope it gets easier down the road.

Keep your fingers crossed and hope I can find a second job... And balance that schedule with my current job and school. Yay! I always wanted to learn how to juggle.

Quote of the Week.

"Thrift comes too late when you find it at the bottom of your purse."

- Seneca

Urge to Travel.

Lately, my urge to travel has intensified. Unfortunately, work and my financial responsibilities don't allow me to do enjoy any travel time. I do have occasional 3 day weekends. If I had more money saved up, I could fly to different place. There are a few specific trips I'd like to make in 2012. First, I'd like to visit my grandparents in Alabama. Second, I'd like to visit my brother and Sean in Seattle again. We all know how much I love the Emerald City. Third, I really want to visit one my best friends, Nate, in Chicago (the plane ticket only costs about $200...). It has been almost 2 years since I last saw him. Last, I'd really like to make another trip down to Austin. Out of all the trips, the last would be the cheapest and the easiest. It would be really great to see all of my friends there again.

We won't even get into my desire for international travel... Ha! I'll save that for a later date.

Mealtime Prayer.

Several months back, I read this great article on CNN's religion blog section about mealtime prayer. It really echoed with me and has stuck in my mind. My family hasn't always blessed each and ever meal. In fact, it is probably more of a rare occurrence for us. Holidays, definitely. Your average Tuesday night dinner... who are you kidding? That's wishful thinking.

Religion certainly was not absent growing up. My parents always encouraged me to explore religions. I'm thankful that I was never forced to blindly follow one. Although we respect all religions, we never really embraced the practice taught by many: blessing our meal. This particular CNN article inspired me to want to do so. The blessing it offers is one that encompasses everything and always all participants to be quite comfortable in joining in. This is the blessing I've adopted:

Blessings on the blossoms,

Blessing on the fruits,

Blessings on the leaves and stems,

Blessings on the roots,

Loving hands together as we say,

Blessings on our meal,

And our time together.

What do you think? It is something I really want to continue incorporating in the future.

Quote of the Week.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

- Unknown

This quote applies to so many areas in life right now. I'll never understand why some people make mountains out of molehills. If there is no reason to change something that functions perfectly, don't make up a reason to change it!

Meeting the Parents.

Most of you all know my relationship with Lynn hasn't been entirely traditional in the American sense. We've been together for over five years, but have cautiously treaded the waters of a multicultural relationship. Her parents are Vietnamese and maintain many of their Viet traditions & expectations. Today was a landmark occasion for us. I finally and officially was introduced to her parents as her boyfriend. Although I've met them in the past, it was always in an unofficial capacity and mostly before we were dating.

Thankfully, everything went really well. I greeted them with a purple orchid plant and a gift box of Korean pears. They greeted me with smiles, nice conversation, and even some Viet Lunar New Year candy. We talked for a while. Her mom was really curious about me. Lynn's dad seemed quite pleased with the pears. I think he even put some on their family altar. After a bit, they just wanted Lynn and me to hang out before dinner. So, we watched Despicable Me until we headed out. Surprisingly, Lynn's parents had no objections to me driving her to dinner especially since I'd be leaving for home after eating. It was nice that they trusted me enough to knowingly let me drive her. We ate a a decent Viet restaurant in Irving. It gave me a chance to display my master chopstick skills and prove my spring roll rolling ability. Lynn's mom seemed relieved that I genuinely enjoy Viet food too.

Let's just say a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Today was an amazing day. A new chapter in our relationship has begun...

The orchid plant I picked out.

The box of nicely wrapped Korean pears -- a Lunar New Year gift for Lynn and her parents.

Quote of the Week.

"If you want to be happy, be."

- Leo Tolstoy

Mini Update.

I really need to get back into my blogging routine. It was so easy for me before. Time to focus and get down to business again. For all you readers who keep reading, thank you.

The past several days have been fantastic. To be honest, 2012 has started off quite well.

Last Saturday was great. After work, Lynn and I went tasty place called Smashburger. Fries aren't my favorite, but their rosemary, garlic, and olive oil fries are delicious! The smashsauce on their burgers is really good too. Afterward, we went to the 4th Annual Memorial Basketball Tournament in honor of my late friend John Mark. It's still difficult to believe he's no longer physically with us, but remarkable to see how his spirit keeps giving and inspiring. This year, our goal is to raise money to build a house in Africa in JM's name. Thankfully, JM's parents were there. I really enjoy catching up with them. The tournament also proved to be a nice time to catch up with old classmates and teachers.

On Sunday, I went over to my parents for dinner and helped take down the Christmas decorations. Unfortunately, you can't keep them up forever. Imagine a world where we can always enjoy Christmas decorations and music...

Things have been very productive at work this week. On top of my regular work coordinating volunteers, my boss is allowing me to identify and work on various projects. The preparation for the transition to our new building is coming along too. There is so much to get done before the end of the year. If you go on our website and scroll down to the bottom of the volunteer page, you can see that I'm super official now: http://natureandscience.org/information/volunteer.asp

Until next time...

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012.

This post was originally intended for New Year's Day, but things have been a little crazy lately. I've definitely started 2012 with quite a full plate. Seriously. I celebrated New Year's Eve and Day with my two old roommates. There was some sightseeing, the usual hosting of guests, and plenty of laughing. After they headed back home on Tuesday morning, work was already calling. With so many projects and upcoming events at the museum, there has been no opportunity to slow down. Thankfully, I've found a few moments this evening.

Before looking ahead, I think it appropriate to reflect on the year behind. 2011 was an incredible year for me. It was a year of adventure and opportunity. Living in South Korea proved to be a remarkable time in my life. I ventured to the edge of the most reclusive country on the planet and safely made my way back home to America. Although two of my best friends are still in the Land of the Morning Calm, they are far from forgotten. After coming back to the States, I happily reunited with my incredible girlfriend, family, and other close friends. On top of that, I found a job at a museum! A job I love! The move to my own apartment was another welcome change. Although daunting at first, it has proved to be great overall. As noted in a previous post, last semester's classes went well -- two As.

2012 has so much in store. I'm sure there will be plenty of surprises and twists. I'm ready for them. I'm ready for change, personal growth, new experiences, and much more. So much to look forward to. I'm excited to see what is in the next chapter. The adventure continues...

Quote of the Week.

"Fantasy is not an escape from the soul of our world, but an invitation to go deeper into it."

- Andrew Slack

Happy New Year!

Howdy folks! Can you believe it is 2012? I can't... I hope everyone had a fantastic New Year's Eve. Time is going by so quickly. That's why it is so important to cherish and enjoy moment. I'm going to do another post soon reflecting on the past year and the one ahead. Until then...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! HAPPY 2012!!

Quote of the Week.

"Make your life a mission, not an intermission."

- Arnold H. Glasow

Christmas & More.

Well, Christmas has come and gone. It is one of those days I look forward to all year. This year was no different. I spent Christmas Eve with Lynn. I cooked our favorite meal (linguini frutti di mare) and taught her how to play chess (another thing off our list of things to do). After she headed home, I actually felt a bit lonely. Just rarely alone on Christmas Eve.

Christmas day was quite pleasant though. My brother David was able to come. Lynn came over too. I'm always happy to include her with my family's events. Got over to my parents at around 9 in the morning. Then, my mom and I spent the next few hours cooking. We tamed ourselves this year and didn't cook a feast big enough for an army. The menu: brisket, potatoes, carrots, green beans, broccoli salad, mashed cauliflower, cranberry sauce, pie, and deviled eggs. There were plenty of leftovers. Everybody seemed to enjoy everything. We kept gifts simple this year, but everyone was happy about what they got. 

Waking up this morning for work was a struggle. I suppose this is how the rest of life will be. Working the day after Christmas just seems so unusual to me. Overall, Christmas 2011 was different, but pleasant. 

Time to start preparing for Christmas 2012! "Jingle bells, jingle bells..."

Quote of the Week.

"Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe."

- Voltaire

Fantastic News.

As some people noticed last week with my quote, something more serious than usual has been going on in my life. A couple weeks ago, my grandmother called to let me know my grandfather was diagnosed with lung cancer. Originally, we didn't want my younger cousins to know so I didn't say much here or elsewhere. He had a biopsy last week and a major surgery today. I just got off the phone with my grandmother again. It looks like everything is going as planned in regards to treatment. Apparently, the doctor seemed pleased with initial results after the surgery. If all goes as planned, he'll be back home by Friday.

Keep sending the good vibes his way! Hoping for a speedy recovery. I love my Grampa so much.