To The North and Onward We Go!

It's been a month since I wrote something, and it has been an eventful time since!

• I passed the NCLEX and received my license card and certificate the week after, which is a blessing and an answered prayer. 

• My aunt and cousin from New Jersey finally arrived in California after a tedious three-day road trip; they will be moving here for good, and it's been wonderful having them around, what with all the bubble tea, Korean grocery store and food trips we've had. 

• I began inquiring about job opportunities and gathering recommendation letters from my instructors, who were very kind and helpful despite the short notice. It gave me the chance to visit my nursing campus and take a few pictures, too.

Where I usually ate my homemade lunch or instant ramyun.

Those hallways.

What I wore.

• One of the highlights is the spontaneous weekend getaway to the Bay with friends and brother number one! I definitely needed to go on an out-of-town trip and just relax, especially after all the craziness of reviewing for the NCLEX. Here are a few snapshots of our adventures (more to come when I get to borrow my friend Maya's memory card)!

By the Bay Bridge.

 Gott's green chile cheeseburger and garlic fries.

My first cup of Peet's!

• My graduation ceremony!

• My Siberian husky, Cloud, was neutered, so he needed lots of tender-loving care the past week.

Cloud and his cone.

• I volunteered as a photographer for baby Jaden's superhero-themed birthday party!

Here's to more adventures as I move onward to greater things!

Trente-Cinq.

Bay Adventures.
04.29.13

We walk along the streets
looking from right to left
soaking in the unfamiliar sights
strolling while we catch the daylight.

Then up we go on Indian Rock
with steps that frighten our feet.
Our eyes scanning the scenery,
the breeze as fresh as can be.

We share and swing in the air
before we take the Bart.
The bridges, the bay, the scenery
nicely laid out for us to see.

On the next warm afternoon,
we drove on to the marina,
playing with clams and barnacles
exploring till it hurt my ankles.

Now I wave farewell to the green fields
to friends I haven't seen,
to places I haven't been,
and mutter my wish to be back here.


* I wrote this ode/poem of sorts on our trip back home to Los Angeles. This briefly recounts all the fun adventures I had with my close friend Maya, who served as my tour guide during the entire weekend.

Trente-Quatre.

Little Things.
04.15.13

That curved smile through the darkness
your eyes with the vivid sparkle
your heartbeat beating through my fingers
the gentle kiss on my head making everything better.

The careful grasp of your strong hand
when you intertwined yours with mine
your warmth that enveloped me to a sigh
the way you held me as we said goodbye.

Last but not the least: how can I forget?
The stories and moments I shall never regret
your voice trembling with a slight shiver
as you said those three words transcending forever.

A List of Things.

After being in a sort of disarray for the past few weeks, I am finally in a state of calm. I am still waiting to hear about the official results of the nursing licensing exam I took yesterday morning, but I know and believe that my (and many others') prayers have been answered and that I have passed with flying colors! I truly thank God for His ever-present help and faithfulness, and for everyone who wished me the best. ♡

This post is definitely inspired by my childhood best friend Joyjee. She does an amazing job writing about her goals and sticking to them. So here is a list of things I would like to accomplish in the weeks to come.

• Write in my journal and read the Bible more consistently.
• Start writing poetry once more.
• Relearn how to play the keyboard.
• Learn how to play the guitar and the bass.
• Get my learning permit (again) and learn how to drive.
• Edit my resumé and cover letter/personal statement template.
• Search for job openings and inquire from people I know.

Here's to brighter things ahead.

Almost There.

I know I'm supposed to be studying, but my mind is a million miles away and is too filled with thoughts that aren't related to medications and signs and symptoms of diseases at the moment. I feel...

homesick
lonely
a little anxious
worried
tired

I do have to say that these are pretty much my everyday emotions.

Despite of everything, I have to remember that I'm almost there. I know I'm not alone because God is with me. I know it's not the end of this challenging and daunting transitional phase of my life, but I just need to "keep calm and carry on," as the famous meme goes. There is hope... there's always hope.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. II Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)

Hello, Spring.

My favorite season has finally alighted! The rays of sunlight are warmer and more scintillating. I can finally feel the breeze, blowing ever so softly through windows and leaves, and the flowers are in full efflorescence and color. There's always something about the coming of spring, and how it brings about a whole new sense of wonder, adventure, and hope. ❁

The balcony is easily my favorite spot now.

Pretty pink flowers.

Difficult.

That word has always connoted a negative meaning to me. At this point in my life, I can say that I have met that word countless times, and yes, it has never been easy. It has struck fear in me, made me carry a huge burden, and made me feel disappointed and frustrated to the point of almost giving up.

But this time around, I will strive to turn that word around and look at it in a positive light. I know now that if everything was a breeze and was handed to me on a golden platter, I would take life for granted and never learn or grow up. And so it begins... today, I accept the challenges that lie ahead, with my eyes set above and my heart humbled.

Trente-Trois

A Dance With You.

You asked me to dance with you,
then you gently take my hand.
We were shy at first,
but time changed who we are.
We talked about things we never knew,
and laughed at the silly things we do.
You looked into my eyes
and I see a glimpse of who you are.
The moment's magic swept us away,
as our feet glided amongst the bright lights.
But the music stopped,
we had to part,
and a tiny piece
broke off from my heart.

Now Is The Start.

I'd like to start something new, but that doesn't mean I'm abandoning poetry altogether. I just feel like it's time to breathe new life into this blog, and continue to do so for as long as I can. I hope you can share this adventure with me. ♡

Here's what my current state of mind looks like.