pause

[Currently drowning in pathophysiology and staring out the window thinking about the etiology of my current malaise...]

Please don't let this cheesy photo fool you- I was even more excited hiking through the Zion Narrows in Utah than my thumb and wide smile could express. During my last week of summer freedom a few friends and I squashed ourselves into a rental and drove to Utah. Between work, school and events we gave ourselves 4 days with a loose plan to see 3 of the National Parks and travel time worked in. It was an amazing whirlwind of hiking, hilarious camping, running from flash flooding, nautical twilight star gazing and the most awe inspiring views of God's creation cramped into a modest 3 days. 

a stormy welcome from Zion our first night

drenching hike to the Emerald Pools to kick off our time in Zion

unforeseen thunder + lightning + torrential downpour = night 1 dinner eaten in rental 

Day 2 hiking the Zion Narrows // running from flash flooding

river hiking can be tiring..

Day 2: First glance at Bryce Canyon at sunset

Day 3- Bryce Canyon : home of the hoodoos

Day 3- catching sunset at Cedar...followed by star gazing sprinkled with shooting stars

Day 4- One last look at Cedar before heading home

A magnificent break being fully immersed and still in nature (thank you canyons for making phone reception nil). Coming into another semester of nursing school with my head and heart in the right place- refocused and refreshed. 

Now back to thinking about electrolyte imbalances...

lots of love 

new things & old things

Hello out there? Yes. I forgot this blogged existed for a while. When this blog was birthed the intentions were mixed and cloudy but as it has grown these past few years I liken it to a horribly public window into my life and thinking. While it would be nice to say that I'm not ashamed of my first few posts (what was I thinking? immature narcissist), the optimistic portion of me considers those early posts merely a jumping off point to where I hope that this blog will continue to go. I want this blog to evolve as I also continue to grow through life- going places, trying new things, and learning from mistakes. Go ahead and stick around for the random update every few eons and laugh at/with me while I try with every ounce of my being to formulate my scattered thoughts into words.

Now for a life update: the real reason for my absence (other than sheer laziness) is that God flipped my life upside down not too long ago with a fulfillment of my, and many of your, prayers. I was accepted to Azusa Pacific University's 2+2 Nursing Program! The program began in May and these have been the most incredible, stressful and challenging 3 months of my life. God is so good. A great number of things have happened, so if you come up to me and ask "how's nursing school?" please don't be offended or surprised if the experience is difficult to express, because my mind is constantly in the midst of processing what exactly is happening to me. Know that I am so thankful for everyone's support, love and prayers to the point where there are no words for me to express that gratitude.

Some new things in my life (besides the giantwhalethatisnursingschool):
-God has blessed me with the most amazing group of friends in this program. We spend virtually every moment of every day together and there is never a dull moment

I can't take normal photos...or stop eating fries. Sorry guys.

-Recently I started reading an excellent book that my friend sent me for my birthday called, Power in Prayer by Andrew Murray. It is amazing the depth and beauty of prayer! Looking back on these past few years I have seen the power and comfort of prayer, but this book opens up different views on a person's view of prayer and challenges greater understanding in order to have a greater heart in God. 

-Weddings. This year is a huge one for my family and I am overjoyed to be adding another sister and brother to the Lue clan. 

-Learning to breathe in nursing school. Yes...breathe. Highly recommend watching this video on breathing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwAY9P_izZ0

Now for some "old" things...

-SHE'S BACK! She made her mark on Europe, but LA has been missing my dear friend terribly. I love that time and distance have no impact on our friendship, because even after not seeing her for 6 months we can still do the craziest things together until tears are the product of laughing too hard. 

-Napping has made it's way back into my daily schedule. Although the amount of work on my plate daily dictates that I have no time for anything less than studying around the clock, sleep has become more scarce and therefore even more vital. *cue my narcoleptic tendencies* 

Back to the papers and case studies. Until next time, strangers. 

lots of lovee

little mustard seed

sunset on the flight home

"And He said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you." Matt.17:20

How little is/was my faith? This past summer the Lord has shown me how much I have changed. Although it feels ironic, He has shown me through my friends experiencing now the trials I faced in the past for me to see the lengths that I have grown. Praise God for His mercy and love. On a recent trip to Alaska-- an escape to nature with no reception, I was tested by things like impatience and selfishness. The old me would have been in a strop the whole time with nothing to make me feel better but vain attention and coaxing, but thankfully my Heavenly Father helped me see that I am bigger than my pride thanks to humble salvation. Like the glaciers, God is constantly shaping and chiseling me down to the woman that He wants me to be (unlike the glaciers this breaking down is positive and not a sign of global disaster). I may even share some photos of my refreshing summer with you...stay tuned.

Tomorrow is the start of another semester of uni and I am excited for the plans that God has for me and for you, my readers.

lots of lovee

SPRUNG

Happy Spring! I love this time of the year because everything is blossoming, the weather is getting warmer, and its the last uni quarter standing between me and summer. As much as I enjoyed the chill factor of last quarter I am very happy to be in spring and to have had a chance to recharge my batteries over spring break a few weeks ago.

In honor of the break I took some time to visit a friend and road trip up to San Francisco to spend a few days of pigging out, shopping, and good ol' bonding time. Here are some highlights:

 can never resist a sweeping mural (remember this wall)

 Some of the best soul food in the heart of the Tenderloin District at Brenda's. Not to mention hands-down the most delicious crawfish beignet I've ever had.

 beautiful weather & a beautiful friend at the Union Square hearts

 seeking food coma rest and refuge at SFMOMA

"oh you blend in with the wall!"

Ending off the trip with pear ginger agave sorbet & mexican chocolate ice cream in a black sesame waffle cone from Tara's and gorgeous creation on the drive home

Despite grim weather reports we were blessed with clear skies and ample sunshine, which almost tricked us into forgoing coats...until we remembered: this is NorCal. Thankfully I have been practicing the art of "layering" which helped to keep the chill at bay only to have gusting winds blow right through me. Thank goodness I gained a solid 10 pounds in those few short days...not. More pictures of my adventures in SF on my Instagram.

The trip was a success and one that I would gladly do again but the perfect end to my spring break was Good Friday and Easter celebrations. Renewing my spirit always satisfies more than anything no matter how much I eat. With that in mind I am sprung for this season and pumped for what lies ahead.

Have a blessed week!
lots of lovee

great excuse

Halloween is such a great excuse for 1. eating lots of candy 2. dressing in costume for $2 burritos at Chipotle and 3. putting off studying during midterms

lots of lovee

almost there..so long ago

KYOTO. We were almost back to Kanazawa from Fukuoka, and a transfer of overnight bus to day bus dropped us in Kyoto for a few hours. The trip feels so long ago what with the interruption of fall uni quarter beginning again, but I can still taste the amazing matcha ice cream and feel the humid heat in my memories.

Summer is officially gone and fall is here. My SoCal bones are shaking from the chilly weather change and I can only remember humid, hotter days in asia...sighh...until we meet again next summer.

Good vibrations to those in midterms right now! Have a blessed week pondfronds :)

lots of lovee

take a walk with me

"Come on, take a walk with me..."

Tell me you don't love Passion Pit. I might have to tell you we aren't virtual friends anymore...that would be too sad. Love their music and I will love you too.

Recently the ridiculous movement of LA weather from one extreme to the next within a week has left my voice hoarse and my allergies in overload. Therefore I am taking this time to not study for uni midterms to reminisce warmer days.

Delicious Mafia deli sandwiches from Pulciano's in San Gabriel to celebrate Pop's birthday...

watching gazelles basking in the heat of the day at SD Zoo Safari Park

Oh to dream of warmer days

lots of lovee

collage city ... Fukuoka Style

The main part of my journey through Japan was our mini-vacation to Fukuoka! After that amazing 5 hours of spa time in Osaka, we were pumped and ready to take the beach city but were not so pleasantly surprised by the increase of heat and humidity that welcomed us.

Now I love zoo's but the combination of heat and humidity coupled with lack of shade and sleepiness, our first stop at the Fukuoka Zoo was not amazing. The animals had the right idea of hiding away in their shaded caves taking long summer slumbers as we searched to see a glimpse of their faces. The best animals were the famous Japanese Lesser Panda, zebra, and elephants...the only animals that would come out for us.

By far the reason why we went was for the ramen. Fukuoka is famous for their yatai ramen, which are the streets lined with stalls upon stalls of ramen and yakitori. AMAZING. Their main shopping area, Canal City, even features a "Ramen Stadium" that houses small stalls from many famous ramen stores all gathered in one place for people to try and compare. It was ridiculous. 

On Sunday, after church, we took in a stroll of Ohori Park in the middle of the city that contains a huge lake and island islet shooting into the middle of the water.

Lastly we ate the famous もつなべ (motsunabe) or pork offal hot pot. Dream with me of hot, rich soup with cold ビル, and nice old Japanese owner man. It was the perfect salty meal to make Fukuoka one of my favorite spots.

If you are like me and just beginning to brave this cold weather... BE STRONG. I'm off to the mountains this weekend for some much needed retreat. What are you doing to get through this transition weather?

lots of lovee

Layover in Osaka

Next up on the journey to Fukuoka included a short layover in Osaka. We arrived in the early morning and our overnight bus wasn't leaving until much later that night, so we decided to do the usual Osaka bits: mess around, shop, eat okonomiyaki & takoyaki, shop more, etc.

The highlight of the layover and possibly the whole trip was the final hours before we left spent unwinding at Spa World Onsen. If it's not apparent from my facial expression, we love onsen and this was the most amazing onsen experience I have ever had. This 8 story building/hotel is complete with an outdoor swimming area, water slides, separate mens/women's floors, an arcade area, and a floor just for eating. Are you in awe yet? Good.

After 5 blissful hours in the onsen we caught our overnight bus and headed over to Fukuoka. Moral of the story: if you're gonna have a time gap somewhere, have it in Osaka.

Have an excellent week!

lots of lovee

InstaWHAT

personal purchases from Japan ...Tops Burger date ... revisiting favorites ... hidden treasures thrifting ... pre-spa coffee ... post-spa shul lang tang breakfast 

first it was fbook. then twitter. then tumblr. then pintrest. keep it simple. daily hodgepodge @kluelesshp!

lots of lovee