Love Stories

Just as I was saying earlier today that I was sick of talking about relationships, I stumble upon Lauren Fleishman's Love Ever After project, a project that was inspired by a bundle of love letters she discovered her grandfather wrote for her grandmother ( I know, awwww.. right? ). The photos below are a reflection of true commitment between two people. I don't like getting mushy, but this melted my heart, just a little. Living in China can be hard for women ( and some men ) to find a committed and lasting relationship, partly because it's a transient city, people come and go, and it's a city that often feels more like a long lay over rather than a long term commitment, so many people tend to treat friendships and relationships as something temporary. When I saw her blog, I couldn't help but repost on my blog here. Enjoy!

Girls Just Want To Have Fun

It's been a while since I've gone out with the girls just for fun. It's happening this Friday! haha. I love this photo taken by Morgan O'Donovan, it captured a moment in time, such genuine joy from these girls that it makes me wonder what they were celebrating. It reminds me of my girlfriends back home, but also all the fun times I've had with the ladies here in Shanghai. I've set some rules for going out... now go have some fun!  

* All accessories from BENGT. Moet & Chandon. 

Shanghai 1990 - 2010

I am always amazed when I see this comparison below. I can't give credit to the person who documented this change, but I am glad these before and now photos are alive! It's hard to believe that a city can change so much in just 20 years... I guess it is China, when they want to do something, it happens. 

A Few of My Favorite Things...

A few of my favorite things ( that I would prefer not to live without) captured via Instagram.

1. Mr. Bunny and carrot rings
2. Wang shoes that are too painful to wear daily
3. Book- I love reading :)
4. My computer, journal and ipad. 
5. Muslim yogurt- best 5RMB value!
6. Dragon fruit
7. Earl Gray Tea with a hint of orange (and amazing with chocolate- recent discovery via samishome.com)
8. Camomile Tea. 

2012

Christmas in California was more than what I can ask for! The weather here has been amazingly warm, and time spent with family and friends was just what I needed after a entire year in Shanghai! 2011 was a crazy year, I am so thankful for the friendships that have blossomed over the past year, and the great community of believers in Shanghai that have supported me along the way. There were so many things that could have gone terribly wrong, but didn't thanks to the grace of God, and so many things that went right, also by the grace of God. Last year has put a lot of things into perspective for me (I will spare you the details), but it has inspired me to make a new years resolution for 2012 that I intend to keep! 

1. Be joyful! Smile smile smile! 
2. Spent 2.5hrs doing my devotions (daily)
3. No shopping for clothes, shoes, and handbags (this will be a tough one!)
4. Workout at least 3 times a week (so tough in the dead of Shanghai winter)