Hello, it’s me. https://www.instagram.com/p/CnIvWcBpmWQ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

If you’re wondering how I’ve been, I’ve been happy. https://www.instagram.com/cathystarfish/p/CZKl3I8PfdA/?utm_medium=tumblr

This was life a few days ago. Happy to be back home, but also missing the smell of sea water in my hair. (at Oahu, HI) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRKsAUZjuhj/?utm_medium=tumblr

Today, thinking of the days we spent in this dream of a home in the dessert. (at Yucca Valley, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CP8uOatnh-t/?utm_medium=tumblr

14 years is a long time, but I honestly don’t feel like we’ve been married that long. I can’t say if it’s because J looks different every year (swipe to see what I mean) or if it’s because he tries day in and day out to make our life full of laughter and new adventures. (Of course it’s the latter.) Happy anniversary, @meetjopeblack. Looking forward to many more hair styles and many more meals in new and familiar places. I love you; I love us. https://www.instagram.com/p/CNrCe4JHVI1/?igshid=al81on9gfizc

In my childhood home, we have this big beautiful china cabinet. There are many beautiful things in there, but the special gilded ones only came out on very special occasions. I’ve lived most of my life like that, thinking that the daily need not be grand, always saving the best for “special” days. The past year taught me that each day deserves my best. That I can use my best plates every day, that I can buy myself flowers just because, that I can wear a beautiful dress to do the grocery. Because otherwise, what else is this life for? Each day deserves my best, not just because tomorrow is not guaranteed, but also because I deserve my best. https://www.instagram.com/p/CKPlZHcBRH6/?igshid=1vz49vwpazv4e

I had meant to promote @1204house when the orders have died down a little bit, but I didn’t get the chance to because we’ve sold out of our masks today. As I was putting together the last few sets, I thought about my maternal grandmother, a seamstress, who I did not have the chance to meet. I imagined us sewing together and how nice it would have been. I also thought, had she met me I probably would have been her favorite 😂 We did good @bebebu. Lola would have been proud. P.S. We still have a few mask chains, so if you’re thinking of getting one, get to it before it sells out too. https://www.instagram.com/p/CEf8UhDnecC/?igshid=6m7rtnxkqjrm

This pandemic has shown us a glimpse of what life will be like when we retire. We’ve been quarantining together 24/7 for the last 109 days and while that might seem long, the days still feel short. Every morning I look forward to spending a new day together. I honestly could not think of a better parallel world to transport to. I treasure the life we have built together. And if this really is a preview of what retirement will be like, I can’t wait to grow old and hang out at home full time with you. Happy 16 years together, @meetjopeblack. Thanks for always keeping it cool. 📷: @jencoba https://www.instagram.com/p/CCHe_J4HRhj/?igshid=rn7jmkghd52f

It's day 4 of "shelter in place" here and we've pretty much settled into our new routines. It's been an odd few days so a sense of normalcy can be quite comforting. I had struggled to stop worrying about what can happen, what life will be like, what will remain. It might sound frivolous at this point, but I look forward to the day when we can hang out at a cafe again. For now, we are hunkering down and following orders so we can do just that, someday soon. (at Garuso-Gil) https://www.instagram.com/p/B97IMKxn05l/?igshid=1nad4i4fwvw7p

The other day, I caught myself saying “I love you” to a plum blossom. I laughed at how crazy that might have sounded, but I am also deeply grateful that life could be light like that. Thank you for making me feel loved, today and every day. 🧡 (at Carrie Bradshaw's Apartment) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9PFZX2nbiC/?igshid=m8ta32tb5fdf

Mahangin sa labas. (at Mendocino, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwaWtazl1J9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=deb95vc0v88r

Rather than New Year’s, I get reflective and more sensitive around my birthday. That’s when I think about how the past year has been, where am I, what I want to do for this year. I guess it’s only fitting — it literally is a new year for me. But doubly so because we moved to SFO around my birthday, 5 years ago. This year my birthday coincided with the achievement of goals we have set for ourselves since moving here. I was consumed by working towards them and then got lost in the high of being able to check those boxes afterwards. It felt great, but also somehow empty. My people, always seemingly knowing what I need before I do, reminded me that the person I need to be looking out for first, is me. That’s why I’m crying in the bathroom as I write this while I am pooping. The best investment you can ever make in life is creating and nurturing relationships. It is not easy, it requires time, sincerity, patience, and love. But it will hold you, feed your soul, and give you peace and hope, like nothing else will. Here’s to dancing through life, realizing dreams, and making new ones. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bujw-2GFZU0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=3imf2xhuto3r

Finally staking a claim to this little corner of our world, after five years. Tired with a throbbing migraine but very very happy. https://www.instagram.com/p/BuC-6nYFLqs/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=rex6qm76yio4

It was raining when we arrived in Vancouver and it was rather wet for most of our trip. It was a feel, sort of like a movie and I liked it. It's been gloomy here in Berkeley for the past week too. I took a long walk at lunch got my favorite churro custard cake but who am I kidding? What I'm really craving for is a Londog Fog stuffed doughnut from Cartem's and all I can do is stare at this post card. What even is a London Fog? I've only met it in Vancouver. I didn’t know it was possible to meet your second first love. https://www.instagram.com/p/BsgpkcBlKsY/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=atk98buzcv2f

Mirror selfie, but make it fashion. (at Museum of Pop Culture) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsCDxvflDeV/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=4nuz0ft6p997

I may have taken upwards 20 photos of this flower shop because every time we pass by it it made me want to stop and look for a bit. (at Yeonnam-Dong) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpvCxKvlikZ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=60hrspuv14h3

I miss Seoul. Cafes close late and the coffee is not too strong. I can drink two lattes a day every day and not palpitate. (at Milestone Coffee 마일스톤커피) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpAj0RRnUNn/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=nuif5vlcy5bi