APRIL FOOL JOKE POST: 2022 (NEW) YEAR AND 33RD BIRTHDAY REMINDER: DON'T WAIT!!

Is it too late for a post about the year and birthday? Come on! We are a quarter way into the year, and my birthday was in February and now it is APRIL. 

I meant to post something on the New Year, but the holiday celebration and work got in the way. As an accountant, the beginning of the year is extremely busy because there is so much to do to close the year. Then I postponed the post till my birthday and the Lunar New Year; however, I had to get the tax and audit materials ready at work. After that, I started to do my own taxes. Keep delaying..... I realized might be TOO LATE to post anything now. Should I just skip this year? 

Well, this morning, I realized today is April Fool! Since it is acceptable to lie and pull pranks, today, why not a New Year / Birthday Post? 

Since 2018, I stopped making a list of new year resolutions because they are hard to keep and even remember them. From 2018 to 2020, I decided to only have one to two major goals for the year, and I liked that way. Some goals I had to extend to the following year(s), for example, one of the goals I made in 2018 was not complete till 2021! Then starting in 2021, I changed to one simple reminder phrase for the year! 2021 was: Living in the Present!

Reminder 2022: Don't Wait

After going through two years of pandemics, with all those sudden death of people, canceled events, travel restrictions, lockdowns, etc.,  my view towards life changed significantly. Looking back on my life, I waited too long and wasted so much time waiting for the perfect moment to travel, achieve my goals, do the thing I always want, etc. I always thought: I can do it tomorrow, next week, next month, next year... There are should be another chance. I began to think, if I can go back to 2019, will I tell myself: "It can wait, I can do that next year?"  DEFINITELY NOT! WHY WAIT? WHY NOT DO IT NOW?

For 2022 and beyond, DON'T WAIT for anything:

-Don't wait for traveling to somewhere new!

-Don't wait for getting into shape!

-Don't wait for taking the opportunity!

-Don't wait for achieving my goals!

-Don't wait for being HAPPY!

2019 Thoughts

Happy New Year!! 

When it comes to the new year, people like to make a list of resolutions, but a lot of people struggle to keep them. I used to make new year's resolutions as well; however, I often failed in keeping them. Over years, I tried different strategies such as keep have a plan, have more specific goals, etc., but they did not work well.  

Last year, I decided to only make two MAJOR goals to achieve in the year. One did come true 😊. The other is partially came true 👌. For this year, I will make the second goal come true and one more additional goal. Moving forward, every year, I am going to stick just set one to two significant goals/life-shifts. 

My birthday is in a month!! On my last birthday, I made three wishes, which included my-two-major goals. 

• First one - came true
• Another one - partially came true
• The last one - may be coming true

Until Next Year or My Birthday in 2020, I would like to make my other two wishes come true or at least one of them. 

Have a great 2019!!

2018 Recap

The year 2018 went like a wind. As more I age, the time would go faster. Many changes and new happened. I traveled to a new continent called Europe, shifted my career, and became physically and mentally stronger.  

Traveling to Europe for the First Time: I went to Paris, France, Switzerland, and Monte Carlo. Seeing the REAL widely-known places such as Effiel Tower, Louver Museum, Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe, Palace of Monte Carlo, etc. was amazing. I loved European food croissant in France and milk in Switzerland were unforgettable. I learned the history of art, royals, and nature of Europe. Travel is not only to play, but also to increase more knowledge. I'd love to come back to Europe again and continue to explore more countries.

Shifting Career: I went from working for accounting firms and conducting external accounting to a private firm and performing internal accounting. Although the tasks did not change much, I feel much less stressful. 





Achieving 10-Mile-Run: 10 miles was the farthest I ever run in my life. I was scared that whether I can make to that far or not. I usually run about 3 - 6 miles and call it good. However, I decided to take the risk. "If it does not challenge you, I can't change you!" Thanks for all my friends for encouragement and tips. I am glad I did and it was not as hard as I expected. I felt awesome when I finished it. 


Becoming Mentally Stronger: I have been practicing gratitude and optimism for years. But I still had the panic attack and negative thoughts here and there due. By the end of 2018, I am finally able to fully recover from anxiety and depression. It is not like the stress and problem don't exist, anymore; I know how to live with all the good and bad thing I am dealing with. 



I am very proud of myself what I became in 2018. For 2019, I wish I will be more capable of doing tasks and become mentally and physically even stronger. 

Reflecting 2016 and 2017 Goals

Wow!! I can't believe 2016 is over fast like any years. A year will go faster as we age, which was mathematically proven. 

Reflecting 2016
I finished graduated school and my student life is officially over.  I moved back to Southern Oregon to start my career. The change was significant. Working for clients (who paid me for the work) is more challenging than working for professors (who I pay). The demand and expectation were a lot. I don't have time to hang out with friends or make friends like I used to be, but I also became party harder (because I work harder.)

There were many ups and downs, this year. Due to my privacy, I would state those in the  I am extremely blessed with all the happiness and proud of myself for being able to go through the sadness. 

Goals for 2017
I would not make any specific new years resolution. I am like most people, I can not keep my new year's resolution. I l realized looking back, even though I did not make all the resolutions and goals come true in the end, I still made progress and improvement. I am proud of myself. So, this year I only tell myself to become better than 2016. 

I grew up the most this from these life shifts and incidents. I learned "every step we take is an achievement" and "what does not kill you will make you stronger." 

Happy New Year. Be Happy!! Let's hope 2017 will bring us more joy. 

P.S. I will keep my blog post consistent for 2017

Looking back 2014......

Before the year started, I already know this year is going to be fast, so in order to make it worth it, I planned to try as many new things as possible, and accomplish as many achievements. Here are 14 things I would consider I tried and/or achieved this year.  

 

1. 100 Happy Days: It was fun doing 100 happy days from May to September this year. Happiness is not given by someone or something, we have to find and create on our own. Appreciate all the little things around us,  and you understand the smallest thing can bring you a lot of happiness.

2. 100 Lessons: It was a great experience doing 100 lessons after 100 happy days. There were a lot of lessons from classes, experiences, and daily life. The lessons will never end. We can continue to learn until we die.

3. Started GirlTalk: I did not know GirlTalk would be such a hit in this blog. Thanks for everyone who have read them. I have a lot more to post for next year, so I can't wait to see the reactions.

  

4. Learned Reconnecting with Friends Means Get Know Them Over Again: Since I missed my friends in Ashland so much, I visited Ashland several times this year. I realized after reconnecting with them, I felt to get know them all over again. During the reconnecting process, we understood each other better and we bonded even more.

5. First Night Out: This summer, I had my first official bar experience. I actually took a shot, danced, and stayed up late. Before that, I go to a bar without drinking and dancing and leave early. It was fantastic to get crazy sometimes.

6. First Wine Testing: Addition to first real bar experience, I went winery for the first time. It was beautiful!! I do not understand wine well, but the wine was delicious.

7. First Professional Picture: I always wanted a professional picture taken by a professional photographer. This dream come true this year. I hope next year I can become the real professional.

 

8. First Apartment: I have lived in a dorm before, but living apartment was completely different. There were more space and actually had a kitchen and living room. I managed to cook for myself and take care my living.

9. Started Graduate School: It was a big step in my time. Making this decision struggled me and there were also struggles during the semester. There were number of times I doubt I made the right decision or not; however, I felt glad that I made the decision. I learned a lot and became more mature. I lookforward for my future classes and wish for success.

 

10. Worked with Real Life Client for School: This experience was completely new to me. I am lucky that the school offer students to work real life clients during our classes, so the classes would substitute for work experience. If I worked with real life clients before I go to real world, I would be in better shape.

11. Memorized a Speech and Overcame the Fear of Public Speaking: I thought memorize the entire speech and speak in front of people without any notes would be impossible, but I made the impossible possible. I learned you never know your potential until you actually reach the point. Thanks for my team for the help.

12. Experienced Real Halloween/Officially Curved a Pumpkin: I do have experience going to Trick-or-Treating and answering the door, but I never really curved a pumpkin nor went to a halloween dance. I was not a big halloween person, so I did not consider doing more halloween stuff. Until I did curve a pumpkin and went to a halloween party, I finally realized the REAL halloween is a lot of fun. This is why American like Halloween that much.

13. First Opera Experience: I liked music since I was young, so I was really looking forward to watch musical in NYC. The opera was amazing!! I plan to watch more operas next year. I'd like to learn more about the story and music.

14. First Snorkeling: After hesitating and being scared for a while, I did it. I was nervous at first, but later I get used to water and started to enjoying it. The little fish was so pretty. Besides, I did not like the water was salty, I wish I can do it again.

 



Post 100 Happy Days Reflection

I did "100 Happy Days" from May 1st to Aug 9. It was a great experience. The reason I started this project was I was having some tough times, and I really needed find a way to stay positive. I realized that summer was coming, so I do not want to let the beautiful sunshine go waste due to bad days.

I do admit this happiness project was not easy. I thought it would not be too hard for me because I am a very optimistic person; however, there were days just difficult to be happy. I still maintained happiness by pretty scenery, delicious food, talking to people etc. There were many simple ways to be happy. There were also days that I was extremely happy, and I was excited to share the status with everyone. I am glad I did not give up in the middle.

I would like to thank everyone who followed me, and "liked and/or commented" my posts. I understand some people would think it was a silly thing to do; however, it meant a lot to me. I wish my happiness could have brought you some happiness as well.  

So friends, if you have the time and energy, please try some 100 happy days. I believe it is a great treatment when you are facing the tough time.

From this project, I learned to take the time to appreciate everything around me and happening to me.

25 Bucket List

Happy Birthday to ME!! I am turning 25 today, CRAZY, right? It is hard to believe to be quarter century old. Time moves fast, so I better putting a list of things I want to do.  

Believe it or not, we all have a "bucket list" in our lives. Some of you would not call it bucket list, but everyone has at least list of a to-do list in their lives. These are mine, some of them are very silly, and some of them might take several years of accomplishment. I hope I can achieve all.  

Traveling Related:
1. Travel to Europe to see the real historic statue 

2. Visit Japan to my childhood friends

3. Climb the Great Wall of China

4. Watch a Broadway Show

5. Go to Times Square Countdown

Academic and Career Related:
6. Have my own business

7. Attend graduate school

8. Work for international firm

9. Take a class in an Ivy school for fun

Culinary Related:
11. Learn how to pipe cupcake/cake

12. Be good at shaping sweets and dim sum

13 Make noodles and paste from scratch (start with flour)

14. Make puff pastry

Sewing Related:
15. Sew my own cloth

16. Knit a doll

Entertainment Related:
17. Set a good seat in a famous singer's concert

18. Have dinner at Portland City Grill

19. Watch sun rise from mountain

Others:
20. Able to play level 10 piano song
   

21. Take a family portrait at a studio 

22. Write a story book

23. Run 5K, 10K, and then half marathon

24. Wear bikinis

25. Play with ceramic wheels


I am looking forward to cross out and increase my bucket list in the near future. 

REAL New Year's Resolution Everyone MUST Make

A beginning of a new year is a new start. New start can lead to come up with resolutions and goals etc. I see there are a lot of them on Facebook, Blogs, and Instagram. Everyone's posts are similar and they all have things in common, which is either health or self-improvement related. 

I feel funny that only several days later, there are people saying their resolutions are broken already:) Well these are the ACTUAL resolutions you SHOULD be making. I promise if you kept all these, all your mental/physical health and personal/career improvement will come true. 

1. Be yourself and love it 
2. Spend more time dressing up and styling your hair 
3. Start be open to talk about your problems with others 
4. Enjoy a hot and healthy meal at least once a day
5. Engage yoga and walks in the park at least once a week 
6. Entertain with family and friends more often
7. Reward yourself with feeling guilty 
8. Sleep well
9. Laugh at yourself for no reason
10. Explore new hobbies, recipes, places etc.
11. Stop looking back and regretting the past
12. Watch many movies
13. Love your job
14. Travel somewhere that is very different than where you live 
15. Get wild and loose once a while
16. Reach out for help when you needed 
17. Give and ask hugs as much and you can
18. Indulge yourself some sweets when you stressed
19. No longer feel ashamed of crying sometime
20. Make mistakes and accept you are not perfect

14 Wish List for 2014

Happy New Year!! First of all, thanks all of the readers for visiting my blogs, I wish you continue to like my blog and if this blog can inspire you, that will be awesome.

New Year = Resolution…. Well I STOPPED making resolution several years ago, so every year I make list of different kinds of goals, to-do lists etc. This year, I decided to make a "wish list." My inspiration comes from the song"A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" from Cinderella. I believe "The Dream" from fairy tale does not have be "meeting the prince." It can be anything in the daily life. These 14 wishes will make 2014 special. 

1. Work - I hope to succeed in my work 

2. CPA Exam - I hope to pass all parts of the CPA exam 

3. Run - I hope to run longer, more often, and faster

4. Yoga - I hope to be more flexible and less stressful 

5. Weightlifting - I hope to able to lift heavier weights  

6. Zumba - I hope I can improve my Zumba steps

7. Food - I hope to eat healthy, try new recipes, and explore restaurants 

8. Friends - I hope to make new friends and get closer to old ones 

9. Movies - I hope to watch a lot of movies and get inspired 

10 Nature - I hope to hike and visit beaches as much as possible

11. Blog - I hope to blog more often and write better entries 

12. Reading - I hope to read more blogs, articles, news, books etc. 

13. Piano - I hope to more difficult songs and memorize some

14. Family - I hope to make my family happy every day

I hope to make all those wishes come true!! 

I'd like to end 2014 first entry with music video. Every time I feel down, I listen to this song/watch this video to cheer myself up.  This song will be my motivation and encouragement for this year!! 


Have a good year, everyone!! 

13 Moments that I Will Never Forget in 2013

2013 went by quickly like other years. Every year at this time, I heard people including myself saying,"I can't believe one year is over AGAIN." The benefit of being a blogger is that I get to reflect how many things happen in a year. I see other bloggers are doing it and I done it for the last two years, so I better write this entry. Once I realized how the meaningful the year was, I would be excited for upcoming year.  

1. (January) I run the bake sale successfully: I have participated in different kinds of fundraising events and helped other bake sales before, but I never done one myself. I was nervous, and I thought I would not sale anything and make a loss. It was my first running my own business and selling my baked goods for money. There were so much work to do and stressful. However, the sale broke-even on the first day and sold EVERYTHING on the last day.  

2. (February) I celebrated my birthday in Ashland: It was my first time in 10 years that I celebrate my birthday in a place outside of Portland. It was an amazing experience going to an Italian restaurant and have a dessert. Ashland is such a beautiful city and filled with great restaurants. I might want to celebrate my birthday in Ashland again in the future. 

3. (March) I received a treat from my boss: I was super happy to get praised from my boss. He gave me ice cream and cookies every time I did the work correctly. Sometimes he even treated me for lunch. I was very lucky to have very friendly boss. 

4. (March) I got accept to a graduate school: This was my biggest accomplishment for this year. I have been dreaming about graduate school since my graduation in 2011. I deferred my entrance till next fall, and I am very excited for it.

5. (April) I survived tax season: I knew working during tax season would be challenging before. We had to work 7 days a week and from early morning to late night everyday. However, I had a good time in the helping out in the office putting our power together and complete the tasks. After all, it was not bad at all because I liked the people I work with. They told me that I am a excellent helper, and cheer them up during the difficult times. 

6. (April) I modeled for the first time: I presented my Chinese traditional dress (which I really like) at an International Fashion Show at school with other international students. It was fun walking around with my dress, even though it was not the most comfortable cloth to wear. I enjoyed being photograph with those pretty girls. 

7. (May) I managed to walk/run in the cold for WHOLE night for Relay for Life: This experience was tougher than I thought. I love running and I don't mind stay awake for the entire night, but it was very challenging. I was getting very sleeping and feeling tired of running/walking, and it was cold at night. When I see the sun came up, I felt "how did it survive"? I guess once we can conquer coldness, there is nothing we can't face including defeating cancer.  

         

8. (June) I made so many good friends in Ashland and it was hard to say Good Bye to all of them: I feel blessed to have so many nice friends and caring professors in Ashland. It was my first time living away from my parents, so I really hoped that people I meet would be good to me. My life in Ashland would not be memorable without all of them. The days before I left, most of them came to me and hugged me. Then said "Good Bye," "Good Luck," and "I have faith in you" etc. to me. I tried hard not to cry. I will never forget them. 

9. (June - August) I explored a lot of beauties in Washington, Oregon, and California: Even though I have been live in Portland OR for more than 10 years now, I still have not gone most of the big nature places around me. My family visited Crater Lake, Redwood, Angels' Rest, Dogmountain, Lost Lake etc. this summer. I am truly blessed living in this pretty place. 

10. (June - November) I helped my mother with her job: I feel grateful that I got to help my mom launching and succeeding the career she likes and good at. I also felt glad that she reach out to me when she needed and I was able to help. I can't wait to see her career grow ten years down the road.   

11. (December) I cooked entire FAMILY meal ALL by myself for the first time: I have been cooking and baking since upper elementary school; however, I never cooked whole-family-sized-meal from start to finish. I usually either just make just one dish, bake a dessert, cook for only me, or help my mom prepare. I realized making a big meal was more difficult than I thought and there were a lot work and multitasking into it. I really need to thank my mom for doing it for over 20 years.  

12. (December) I got a new job for next year: This was my another for the year. I am very excited for this new opportunity. My employer seems nice person. I will put all of effort and succeed in this job. It was a perfect way to end 2013 by finding a job and even more perfect way to start 2014 by starting a new job.  

13. (December) I spent Christmas/my mother's birthday in Hawaii: It was our first time visiting Hawaii. It was also the first spending the cold winter in a warm place. It was wonderful to eat fresh fruits, watch hula dancing and learn Hawaiian culture and language. It was my mother's dream to go to Hawaii, and she felt happy to spend her big birthday in her favorite vacation spot. I think it was the best birthday she ever had and she will be cherished for rest of her life. 

There were several "first time" and "accomplishments," this year. I wish there will be more "first time"and "accomplishments" every year. They make each year worth it . 

Happy New Year, Everyone!! 

I hope everything will be better and better each year. 

Graduation and Blogging Two Years Later: Happy Birthday Blog

Sorry for lack of blogging. I was busy moving back from Ashland. After living by myself and in a different city nearly a year, it takes sometime to adjust the environment in Portland and at home. 

Now it is the graduation season again. I realized, I started blogging right after my college graduation, so it is both anniversaries of my graduation and blogging life. 

Every graduation season, I do a little recap about my post grad life and make goals for next year and next a few years. I decide to make it as a tradition for celebrating my blog's birthday. 


Two Years Ago I Wrote

1. Studying for GRE and Take the GRE (done)
2. Decide a Graduate Program and APPLY(done)
3. Get a job or internship (I did an internship) 
4. Finish Graduate School!!! (I have an offer)

A Year Ago I Wrote
1. Finish Post-Baccaurate Certificate in Accounting Program (done) 
2. Find a permanent job using the skill I learn from last two jobs  (working on it)
3. Lose more weight and also build a better shape (working on it) 
4. Continue to improve cooking and cleaning skills (working on it)
5. Write better posts and hope to attract more viewership (getting better) 

There are goals/to-do-lists I already finished and still need to do!! Just like last couple of years, I will share my next steps. 

For Next Several Years 
1. Pass all parts of CPA Exam 
2. Finish graduate school 
3. Find a permanent job
4. Build better shape and healthier life style
5. More improvements in my blogging and writing career

I'd like to end my post with this quote
"We don't have to finish a school to have a graduation 
We don't to wear cap and gown for graduation 
We can celebrate graduation every time we complete a step in life
We graduate for all the moments of improvements and successes!!" 

Happy Birthday Blog!!

Happy Graduation EVERYONE!!

13 Plans and Life Style Shifts in 2013

I hope everyone had a wonderful new year. My new year was great, and I will do a winter break recap on next week's post. Now, I am back in Ashland and ready to back to normal routine. 

Most people like to make new year's resolution in every beginning of the year. It is hard to keep them. I had several goals, last year, and I did not quite achieve them all. However, I sat for CPA exam and receive an internship offer, which is the hardest goal among all, so I guess I am alright. Every year, I try to change things around, so my resolutions will be more achievable. This year, instead of having goals and resolutions, I decide to have 13 doable plans and easy life style shifts to have accomplish them. 

Health and Fitness Related
1. Eat more servings of vegetables and fruit and cut desserts and other high calorie food
2. Cook for myself at least once a week 
3. Go for a run EVERYDAY, even just for 10 minutes 
4. Trip to gym 3 to 4 times a week for a heavy work out and engage different kinds of exercise each time in a weekly routine 

Study and Work Related
5. Look over CPA materials everyday until pass all the sections 
6. Stay focused on during study time and consider quality over quantity for hours
7. Arrive work and finish work ON TIME 
8. Do the work effectively and efficiently

Social and Self Improvement Related
9. Avoid eating alone and try to have most of the meals with other people
10. Entertain with friends and family at least once a week 
11. Increase productivity in doing chores
12. Vacuum my room and organize my stuff once a week
13. Play piano EVERYDAY for at least 30 minutes

Have a wonderful 2013!! 

12 Lessons, Achievements and Memorable Moments of 2012

2012 was a tough and memorable year. May be every year of my life should be like that. A year with a few challenges and some happiness. That means and I lived throughly. This year, like previous years, went quickly. As I get older, the time goes faster. Even though it went fast, there are still a lot to look back. Here are some achievements 2012 helped me, memorable moments 2012 gave me, and lessons 2012 taught me. 


Achievements
1. Experienced working full-time for the first time.
2. Moved to Ashland and survived living away from home for the first time. 
3. Got an internship offer!! 
4. Finished Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting and Sat for CPA exam.
5. Not only studied accounting, but also taught accounting. 


Memorable Moments 
6. Made A LOT of new friends ALL OVER the world and this helped me improved three languages.
7. Reconnected my friends from elementary school in Japan through Facebook.
8. Received compliment about my piano skills and even taught others how to play.
9. Cooked for myself and other people, and they all liked my treats regardless of age, gender, and nationality.


Lessons
10. Always put smile on my face no matter how bad the situation is, so that will help me stay positive and good luck would come.
11. Morning is the best time to study and get all the tasks done. 
12. Time of is quality over quantity because it is better to stay focused for a short period of time than not to be focused for a long period. 

How was your 2012? Happy New Year 2013!! 

Summer To Do List Part 5: Road Trip to Ashland

Each summer, my family tries to take at least one road trip.  This year we went to Ashland, Oregon. It a small town on the south side of Oregon. I am going to attend Southern Oregon University for a term this year, so it was the perfect chance to visit the city. 

1. Food Was Delicious: There were a lot of great restaurants!! I can't wait to explore more. 

Aren't those dishes pretty?

These dough-nots were yummy in the tummy 

2. Nature Was Beautiful: Downtown Ashland was a lot similar to Downtown Portland, but much quieter and more artistic. I think I like Ashland better. 

There were roses like Portland. 

There was even a deer on the street!!

In front of the OSF

We had a nice walk at Lithia Park. 

3. Saturday Market was interesting: Saturday Market in Ashland was not as big as Portland, but it was definitely more interesting. 

Look those peppers!! They are so colorful!!

I did not know there were this many kinds of eggplants!!

Lastly, I had fun moving into my dorm. Meet roommate!! Her name is Muriel Sadleir-Hart. She is very sweet. I  am looking forward to live with her.

I am excited for SOU!! I will post more about SOU and the awesome week I had!! So Stay Tuned!! 

Mean while, I will be busy study and missing my mom.

This was taken in front of my dorm before my parents left.