Merveille

I pride myself on knowing a lot about my native culture and language, but after spending only two weeks in Vietnam, I realize that I’m not nearly as well versed as I thought. There is a lot about the Vietnamese culture that I want to know more about and preserve in myself and future generations, but I’m starting to understand how difficult that can be given that I’ve been raised in America. 

It is entirely impossible to preserve everything, but I’m making an effort to compromise the two cultures as much as possible because I think there are very beautiful aspects to both. I should consider myself lucky for understanding both to the extend that I do. Sometimes, it feels like I’ve lost my identity in foreign place, but that’s really only here in Vietnam.

summer

Each summer brings a whole new set of expectations and excitement. Most people like to reflect come January first on their previous year, but I like to reflect right after finals because summer is, for me, the best time to change anything that I was unhappy with during the last year. Last summer I went through a difficult end to a relationship, but I made myself better because of it. I focused on me and kept my mind open and became a better person both physically and mentally. My hope is that we all change for the better, every day, but at the very least, take the summer to celebrate yourself and redefine your goals. You truly are a fantastic person. Also, remember to keep your mind open because opportunities come at any time, so embrace it and take a chance! C’est la vie, my friends! And, don’t forget to wish your mother a Happy Mother’s Day!

Finals

I have never felt so unprepared for finals before, but when a fever takes you over, it’s either a battle for life or a battle for grades. I just have to keep reminding myself that my health is the utmost importance. This nasty cycle of stress, lack of sleep and sickness is just terrible. Best wishes to all on your finals!

It seems to be one of those days that I feel like I’m giving everything just to trudge through it all. Not much seems to feel right today, but thank you Cindy for leaving a smile on my wall. That’s the first happy moment I have had today. You are the bestest :] 

Waking up to  sweet texts and messages from wonderful people is icing on the cake for a hard yet wonderful week :] 

so right.

There are just those slow days that aren’t too invigorating either way and honestly I just feel a little lost. Perhaps when it’s all gone a little awry, all I want to do is settle down with some good music and my work. I’m not big on my own personal playlists because I listen to everything on repeat, but Pandora is doing me so much justice today. So many days Pandora and I are out of sync, but today, today we are so right.