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#amreading feelings life memories

Planting Thoughts & Fountains of Conversation

This day has already started off on a strangely nice note.

I was perhaps a little groggy this morning before my commute; couldn’t muster up enough energy to have a full-blown workout so I did yoga instead. I didn’t even have my morning tea or coffee before I hopped onto the bus…

While on the bus, I immediately whipped out the book I’ve been reading, Three Cups of Tea, which one of my sisters had recommended to me. I began reading this book last Monday and already I’m over halfway through with the book. It’s a truly inspirational read, and what makes it even more inspirational/invigorating to my spirit is that it all is true. I was reading Chapter 15, which was about Mr. Greg Mortenson in action with building more schools in Pakistan (after the initial school in Korphe was completed). It’s a series of encounters that were destined, of meetings that were more than mere coincidences.

The chapter planted a thought in my head as I prepared to get off the bus; I was lost in this thought for a few seconds when suddenly I was jarred back to reality by a kind fellow bus rider’s comment about the book I held in my hands. “That is quite a wonderful read, isn’t it?” the man said to me. I was taken aback by his comment, but I nodded quickly in acknowledgement. By that point, we were both getting off the bus, so there was no time to really seek a further conversation. That small encounter itself was enough to put me in a good mood….

And then, I entered into the building where I work, and the bodyguard downstairs was a different person from the usual morning bodyguard. She stopped me before I went up the elevator and also made a comment about the book I held in my hands. “Wow, that book, I’ve seen it everywhere–“

That icebreaker broke open a fountain of conversation over general life topics, how our parents’ outlooks on life differ from ours, the opportunities/hardships we ourselves seek out in the circumstances we are given, and so forth. Most of the time I was just the listener in the discussion, but it was still refreshing to have such an encounter, even before work. It wasn’t at all awkward, either; just good, genuine talk with a new acquaintance.

It was a great way to start off an already full day, and I can’t help but keep this smile upon my face. Just goes to show that, even in this anonymous world of a city, personal touch can still exist.

Categories
#foodie Chinese Culture feelings My San Francisco Chronicles sweet treats

Clement.

Whenever I walk along Clement Street, I find myself peaking into the Asian bakeries and grocery stores there. I look inside to see the familiar yet foreign things I have grown up with–the Chinese baked goods of buns, egg tarts, red bean paste anything, etc.

Looking at the food, I feel nostalgic for some reason. Despite the fact that I didn’t grow up with these shops near my childhood home, for some reason, I feel “at home” with these shops anyway. They evoke an emotion within me, of the fact that yes, I am indeed a Chinese person.

Categories
feelings My San Francisco Chronicles

Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.

So, back from my short trip out of San Francisco, and all I can say is that I feel relieved being back in my city. How did I come to this feeling? The feeling of home, of my “own” place, of independence? It’s so sweet I can taste it–just knowing that I walk this city because it’s my own, because it’s where I am and where I feel happiest right now.

Crossing over the Bay Bridge back into San Francisco last night was a euphoric feeling. I watched as we approached the city lights closer and closer and felt myself becoming more excited. How can I let this place go if it won’t let go of me? I predict at least another year left here, before I decide to embark on some travels.

Still, I feel like I probably can settle here and start my own family here eventually. Although San Francisco is a city (and cities are known for some rather unappealing things such as crime), I feel happy when I’m here, and I feel like it’s not so bad. There are many aspects of the city that I have discovered that I enjoy; and yet there are still many other aspects of the city I have yet to discover.

However I got this feeling, I hope it won’t ever stop.

Categories
feelings My San Francisco Chronicles travel

Leaving the city for a few days.

Today I headed out of San Francisco to go to Sacramento for a few days–my cousins are graduating from high school tomorrow, so I figured I should take the trip in to visit them and the rest of my relatives. I realized recently that I hadn’t left San Francisco since I arrived back from Japan; people say they start to feel restless/a little crazy if they’ve been in San Francisco for too long (with no vacation out of the city/Bay Area).

I could understand that sentiment, but I still could not help but feel a little sad/homesick as I watched the city grow farther and farther away while I crossed the Bay Bridge on the Amtrak bus. The scenery passing by on the train was even more dramatic, changing from bay views to farmland.

Perhaps I can never feel like I can adapt to life outside of San Francisco anymore. Despite the fact that I have only lived here for a year, I find that I can see myself settling down here for good (after I do a little more traveling, though).

Perhaps I have really planted my heart in San Francisco.

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feelings love rant

Untitled.

Dear XX,

To be used for someone else’s own selfish purposes is the worst feeling to ever have. I hope you will understand this feeling one day.

– me