Settling down and moving up

Dinner was successful. The floors are clean. The dishes are put away. 

Now the aroma of my peach-scented candle is filling the room.

So I guess its safe to say that I can write a bit before I move on to the next task. 

Although alone (Bryan went to work already), I find the sense of peace when I get to write and reflect on the wonder of being alive and how blessed I am. We have been married for close to two months now and boy what an adventure it has been. There has never been a dull moment. It is a such a joy to take on challenges as a couple. Even the simple task of cooking has taught us how to work as a team and even though we do not go out as much as we used to, its amazing how happy you can get while just sitting in the couch and laughing at jokes that only the two of you get. 

This month has been filled with adventures as we celebrated Bryan's 30th birthday. Although I have been trying to be frugal since we got married, I always will give Bryan the best of what we have. First, we had a fun night with friends over yummy food and drinks. Then the following night which was the eve of his birthday we surprised him at an intimate surprise party at Firehouse's VIP pool table room. The next day we had a family trip to Sequoia National Park. Lastly, we had a safari experience at Monterey's Vision Quest Ranch. 

Life indeed has beautiful surprises everywhere and I think the loveliest of them all are the relationships that we have with the people around us. Despite the drastic changes in my life, I never though that being married would hold me down.I am indeed settling down and accepting that there are things that I cannot do anymore as a married woman but definitely ready for more adventures and challenges. I am having the time of my life- may it be when I am cooking dinner and folding laundry at the same time or when I am outside town exploring a new place. 

Settling down for me does not mean the cessation of growth. It just means finding peace in where you are and knowing that no matter what happens in life, you can always go back to this place- to a home where your heart is. 

So yes, I have settled down but I- I mean "we" are moving up <3

When things fall into place

I am a dreamer. 

Ever since I was young, I have always daydreamed about what my life would be 10 years from now. Living for the moment is exciting but there is something about the future that always captivates my thoughts and actions. Don't get me wrong- I still squander today like there is no tomorrow- I am known for that, but then I always go back to my goals. 

I know where I want to be. 

Eleven days to be exact, I graduated from grad school- obtaining my Masters in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner degree. The stress was unimaginable but in a blink of an eye, 2 years passed and then here I am. Working and earning money has never been one of my passions but going to school is a huge part of me. I cannot imagine life without school. I remember crying after I finished my RN degree because I felt that when I don't go to school it is as if my life ended already. I mean I've been studying ever since I can remember. Good thing learning is a lifetime process. I don't ever want it to end. 

Four days ago, I married my bestfriend. It is still surreal. I have not even processed my academic achievement yet and here I am- watching my husband sleep and marveling at this feeling that I can't explain. In my next blogs, I will elaborate more on how I feel as a newly wed but for now, I just want to say a few words and enjoy this moment. Truly, there is such a thing as a little heaven here on earth. 

Then I realized, all the twists, ditches and unexpected turns in life does lead you to where you are supposed to be. 

This is where I want to be now. 

It doesn't mean that this will be where I am forever. Life is not meant to be stagnant. We have to keep moving. There is always something to look forward to...

but for now, this will do <3

"Live, let live & love, the rest will fall into place" 

There's no rewind, no replay

Have you ever experienced driving home after a long day and wondering "How the heck did I get here?". Although instances like this are normal (especially if you work a 12-hour shift like me), I think it's a sad thought when one day you realize that everything happened so fast in your life that you can't remember how you got to where you are. 

My name is Aya & I'm 26 years old. Ever since I was in 3rd grade I have always journaled almost on a daily basis up until I started my RN program 7 years ago. Truly, it is so hard to sum up the last 7 years wherein so much has happened. Life is indeed like an hour glass glued to the table. Even though I cannot turn back time nor can I foresee the future, I am truly thankful for everything that has happened in my life and even more thankful for what is ahead of me. God has been so good, I really have nothing to complain about. 

The last 7 years, I feel like I have been over speeding on freeway. In this short amount of time that seemed  like forever, I have gotten 3 degrees (RN-BSN-MSN) among all the other stuff that I've been doing. So now even though I still feel the urge to continue zooming ahead (especially that I am 31 days to be exact to being married), I am writing this blog to remind myself to slow down and enjoy the ride. As the common cliche' goes, "Life is a journey, not a destination"

I don't want to let moments just pass me by. It scares the heck out of me to grow old and one day realize that I have not accomplished anything because really, at the end of the day I know it's not my degrees, career or money that will define me. Let me take the time to fully inhale what every day has to offer me and never miss any opportunity to live, learn and love. 

Teach us Lord to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom

Psalm 90:12