Breathe in.

Yes, it’s my birthday. I think that’s deserving of a post, n’est-ce pas?



Windy day in Marseille, South of France

Yesterday, I woke up in tears. Not to be melodramatic but it was the first time in my life that I was hit with the “what have I done with my life?” wrecking ball. It hit hard.

On the surface, I appear to live a glamorous life where I spend a third of my day eating, one third cooking, and another third drinking. While one third of that lies true, the rest is merely an illusion.



Hotel Bristol, Paris. My first 3 Michelin star experience.

(Yes, this is coming from someone that just returned from a 3-week long European trip that I feel completely undeserving of, which contributed to my disheartened sentiments.)



My favourite rapper is The Notorious B.I.G. and a line that resonates with me is “I’m livin’ everyday like a hustle, another drug to juggle. Another day another struggle.”

Yes, I hustle. I work hard. In fact, many consider me a raging workoholic.

As for drugs, let’s just say I have a lot of quirks that I battle daily.



Escaping the crowds of The Louvre, Paris

So back to lying in bed. The same thoughts looped repeatedly through my head. I’ve worked so hard and what do I have to show for it? and do I really deserve anything I have?

It required several good friends to remind me of how far I’ve come and reassure me I’m too self-critical.



My dearest readers. I’ve only selectively divulged glimpses of my life. The most common question I receive is: what do you do for work?

Well, in the most stream-of-consciousness fashion I can, here is my work life in a nutshell and what I’ve learned along the way.



A coffee connoisseur whilst in Paris

From the age of 14, I’ve worked with children in various capacities. I worked up from a daycamp leader to the coordinator over the span of three years.

During the school year, I was a community programs coordinator where I organized community services and events. Here, I learned to take initiative and responsibility to give back to my community.

I also taught ceramics, which is my favourite art medium. Here, I learned the importance of fostering creativity.

To save up for university, I was also tutoring ESL after school. Here, I learned how to think and communicate flexibly and the importance of building relationship with my students.



Housemade pumpkin-cake gelato in Venice

For some side cash, I also designed websites. I learned HTML.

In 2005, I accepted a youth mentor / administrative support position at an at-risk youth centre located at one of the sketchiest areas in the city. That summer, 3 people were stabbed at that skytrain station that I traveled to everyday.

There, I interacted with youth from all walks of life and hardships. I learned empathy and how I must extend myself to help those in need. I also learned that change never comes easily.

After two years of business school, I started my first retail business with my close friend. Together, we designed, built, and ran the operation. It would take an entire post to write about everything I learned there.

During that time, I also volunteered in a kindergarten classroom. Here, I learned how much impact I can have on young minds and the true meaning of “children are the future”.



Gorgeous square in Florence

I quit business school and pursued my calling in the education and counselling field. During my stressful and intense year-long teaching practicum, our business closed. Here, I learned that timing is everything. I also learned the necessity of rest and to heed my personal limitations.

After completing my Bachelors in Education with an English Major and a Counselling minor, I became an Art and Ceramics instructor. I learned that the best teachers are dedicated learners.

At the start of this year, my friend approached me once more to help him start and manage another business. After much struggle and contemplation, I obliged. Here, I learned that my extreme loyalty and work ethics can make or break me.

Two months later, I started this blog. Here, I learned how natural and exciting it feels to indulge in my ultimate passion. I learned to express myself freely through writing and to create art with food and photography.



Lovely pastries are inescapable in Paris

Thanks to your support, this blog has since opened opportunities for me in a field I had never expected. It’s a bit daunting because I feel unqualified to take on anything food-related professionally. And what about the business, education, and counselling training I’ve acquired?

I’m sure somewhere down the road, my lessons and experiences will converge.

I aspire to one day become a counsellor.

Until then, I’ll just continuing to hustle.

Well folks, if you’re still reading, this is the most you’ll ever hear me write about myself. This verbal diarrhea helped me clear my head and I’m ready to start my birthday with a bottle of bubbly Cava.

The next post will be food-related, I promise.