Shaking Things Up.

As anxiously sat in my seat, awaiting the arrival of my speech professor, I went over my scribbled index cards over and over again. Continuously telling myself that I wasn't ready, I looked at my watch and to my luck, fifteen minutes had passed since the original class time, 10:25 am. Fifteen minutes! At Pasadena College, or many universities, if a professor is more than fifteen minutes late to a class session that students are allowed to leave the class. I totally lucked out and didn't have to present a speech on Earthquakes that wasn't ready to be spoken about.



Yes, earthquakes are my expertise. My fascination with earthquakes was brought to life in my Geology course last semester. It is such a lively topic that really relates to everyday life. The minute I hear about: seismic waves, magnitude, faults, boundaries, intensity, plate movements, fault scarps, stresses, elastic rebound theory, etc. I get very excited and drawn to the conversation. I guess everyone has a little "nerd" in them, and mine happens to be a geological nerd who's into earthquakes and rocks. Who knew?



I'll leave you with this, a quote from Jack London's journal entry about the 1906 Great San Francisco Earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.7 and resulted in over 700 casualties:

"Not in history has a modern imperial city been so completely destroyed. San Francisco is gone. Nothing remains of it but memories and a fringe of dwelling-houses on its outskirts."

Get ready, California. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

Wild Child.

When I was a kid "Where the Wild Things Are" was my favorite book and even still now it is one of my most coveted. I use to perceive the story to be about a kid named Max who imagines a magical forest surrounded by monster like creatures, rules over the Wild Things as king, and returns home to a bowl of hot porridge.

While watching "Where the Wild Things Are", I was searching for the meaning of the film, the message Spike Jonze was throwing out. Even a few days after, I would sit and try to figure out what this freaking movie was about: "Why was it such a dark message? Is it about the battle between man and himself?...this thought, that thought." When all along the message was there, right in front of me. One of the Wild Things simply states in the film:

"...We forget how to have fun."

As adults we get so caught up with endless responsibilities and Mt. Everest like stresses, that sometimes we forget to just breathe & let loose. Whether you're plagued by loneliness, money issues, significant other drama, self esteem problems, and so on, JUST BREATHE and have a little bit of fun. Let's not get too tied up with this economic turmoil and disaster like mentality: Life ain't too shabby when you appreciate the things around you.



"BE STILL!"
Childhood is calling.

Corneal & Beans.

I've been wanting to make my family dinner for the past few weeks, but never really got around to doing it with my somewhat hectic schedule. However, tonight was the night, especially since I skipped out on my Bio Lab due to my corneal ulcer--yeah, it's that bad (my eye is bloodshot, sensitive, & achy). I wasn't sure what to make so I made my favorite: Mexican food! As long as my family was content eating it, and enjoyed the company of one another I was happy. My goal was definitely accomplished & dinner wasn't too shabby!

Corneal Ulcer.


Bagel.


Bagel's friend, Billy.


Chicken fajitas.


Mexican corn, Spanish rice, & black beans.


Fresh guacamole with cilantro & diced onions.


Homemade salsa with cerrano chiles.


Overall.


VIVA LA FAMILIA!

"Wants" I Needed.

There are several items on my Wish List that were crossed off within the past few weeks.
I've done a little light shopping tackling necessities that I've wanted. I try my best not to over shop, focus too much on my outer appearance, or splurge on things I really just do not need. But I will be the first to admit that it is so freaking difficult to put down those shoes you've wanted forever or those jeans that fit you oh, so perfectly. I guess it also doesn't hurt to reward yourself once in awhile after a hard week's worth of work. Ya dig?

My mama bought this classic bag I've wanted via Duty Free Peru.

Longchamp - $145

I somewhat needed nuevo jeans after losing a few pounds.

True Religion - $110

Always a need: Simple black flats (that injured my feet).

Sam Edelman - $99.95

Jess & I stopped by Lush & picked up a facial mask for my "teenage" skin. It literally smells like mint chocolate.

Lush Cosmetics - $5.95


I definitely need to tone it down with my shopping. I had my splurge & now I definitely want to focus on saving money and later investing elsewhere--like a property.

Sigh, oh the responsibilities of an adult life.

Diamonds.

I am incredibly fortunate to say that I have an awesome backbone and the best blessings in life surrounding me. My family and friends mean the world to me, and my twenty first birthday would have been a bit quieter without them. With that said, I want to express my gratitude for each one of you who made me feel special yesterday.



I want to thank my friends especially for the most delicate and appropriate gift anyone has ever given me. I'm proud to boast that my friends gave me a beautiful necklace that shows off a small diamond encrusted circular pendant. To me, the pendant represents the friendships I've made this past year--my friends are diamonds in my eyes, both literally & figuratively. These friendships will be never ending to me, whether it be throughout my life or through vivid memories--these friendships are forever. It is so fitting, so simple, so me.

I am Jane Olivia Kim.
I am finally twenty one.
I am floating on air.