Good bye, 2022.

Good bye, Nor-Cal.

photo: Peter Leverman

Today, I cleaned up papers in my room back at home in Florida. There is a cabinet filled with mementos. I ended up throwing out most of my Calculus notes, but I noticed that I was indifferent towards the little grocery bag from a local fruit stand in Palo Alto. It was once my fantasy.

Then, at 22, I flew to San Francisco with 2 bags, starting from a hostel. I had to pay the price of being unprepared. Now, it’s a reminder of the dryness, fog, loneliness, some great food, scent of urine, Shang-Chi, Indian food, lots of tears, dumplings, trader joe’s, nice police compared to Southern states, parallel parking, parking fees, parking tickets, patagonia and airpods, joggers, homeless people, tents, life lessons and that in the end, the technology that we use involves people.

I am sharing some of these life lessons in the past year and 3 months of my time in my 20s.

1. Do not spend money that you do not have
2. Organize frequently, whether it is your room or your files.
3. But backup your data!
4. Wear sunscreen
5. Exercise regularly
6. Socializing is important, especially for mental health
7. Vent to your therapist, don’t keep it in your head.
8. If you don’t want to do it, don’t make empty promises
9. If you are lost, people will take advantage of you.
10. You cannot be in a relationship until you are at peace with yourself
11. Always underestimate the time you have in a day
12. Know your capabilities
13. Work on building things to grow and that will last in the longer-run.
14. It’s not about looking rich. It’s about making a secure padding and having more choices.
15. The past is in the past
16. Believe in yourself, even when no one does
17. When you realize it’s too late, you cannot undo time
18. Learn to cook smaller portions, it saves in the long run.
19. Eat warm food, at least once a day. Don’t rush it.
20. Remember to go buy some cute things once in a while.
21. Dress to impress, no matter the occasion.
22. Do not touch your face!
23. Dry hair completely.
24. Record frequently and regularly
25. Taking care of health is your own responsibility
26. Do not be afraid to speak your mind
27. Know your place when giving advice
28. Practice complimenting with sincerity
29. Gratitude matters.
30. Do not build dreams before knowing how you can have the things already in your hand improve
31. When at an intersection, look to your left, right, left, then peek, then look again
32. Charge your phone and read notifications
33. Regularly clean emails
34. Do not give up, try a little harder
35. Know why you are deciding to take a certain path and where you are going. Do not look back.
36. There will always be regrets, but pick the choice that you can bear
37. Nothing is as expected
38. It’s not worth going to the gym after already feeling exhausted
39. Have emergency chocolate stash
40. Learn to play more games
41. There are many ways to think of a situation. Do not panic.
42. Check finances as often as possible before buying something
43. Plan for fun
44. Are you working hard, or smart?
45. Sometimes, there are no explanations
46. Animals are the reason why you should not waste. They are so cute. They need to be protected.
47. Take lots of pictures. They will bring back good memories or at least refresh.
48. Always smell nice. If you cannot afford good perfume, then….you really need to work on #42.
49. Find free lemons in your neighborhood.
50. When cooking, just cook. Don’t try to multi-task in the kitchen.
51. When you don’t keep in touch, you lose them.
52. You change, so do the people around you.
53. Environment affects you, but does not define you.
54. When you think of something funny to say, just say it
55. Buying coffee is overrated, but people-watching at cafes are not.
56. Almost everything is overrated and overpriced
57. Follow your heart, but don’t be controlled by it. Walk along with it.
58. Remember to think in your dog’s perspective. Did you pet him enough?
59. Remember that you can change how you look. How you feel.
60. Remember that you can change.
61. You cannot expect 1 from 0.
62. If it’s challenging, you are improving
63. K-dramas are a form of entertainment. Reality is a bit more…bland, bleak…but also more worthwhile.
64. Think for yourself. Before you think about how they will think of you.
65. Communicate, express yourself. They can’t read your mind.
66. There are so many fun and cute things in the world. Look forward to those. Make them your reasons. Gift them, too.
67. You can only be good at what you do a lot. You can only master one, not all.
68. When it comes to shoes, don’t be cheap. Your feet and joints are worth more.
69. This too, shall pass.
70. When you can do it today, don’t push it off. Better things will come to those who are prepared to take the opportunity.
71. Read to enjoy, not to be stressed or to look the part.
72. Empty bladder and thoughts before going to bed.
73. Find youtube videos and improve any skills if possible. ( i.e. makeup, movie analysis)
74. Try on clothes and feel them before buying them. Is it itchy? Use style books for your body type.
75. Always wear bralettes or some support.
76. Kindness is passed on
77. Karma is real
78. If you cannot focus, take a little break or sleep. Don’t force it
79. Don’t force yourself
80. Actually think before you speak, unless you are in a casual moment with your friends goofing around
81. Not everyone is your friend
82. People are different.
83. Plants are hard to grow, but worth it.
84. Never take anything for granted
85. Listen to music everyday
86. Anything that comes in a can is questionable
87. Take advantage of the public library
88. Find your go-to dinner spot
89. Find your go-to open space in nature
90. Neurons that fire together wire together
91. Never completely take anything too seriously
92. Never accept knowledge as absolute truth
93. Never eat bland food.
94. Sometimes, the answer is given and they want to hear it
95. Not choosing is a choice in itself
96. You have no idea what hardships the other person has endured. Before you judge them, recite this in your head.
97. Always have a backup for your backup
98. A dirty gym ain’t worth your time
99. Always save room for dessert
100. Love unconditionally and be loved unconditionally
101. Call your dad more often, they don’t say much but when they say something, they MEAN it
102. Remember that weight gain leads to depression. It’s not you, it’s the food you are eating.
103. Instead of worrying, work on solving.
104. There are many ways to solve stress
105. Don’t hold your pee
106. Korean moms will say a lot of things, but maybe they just wanted someone to talk to.
107. Calling is not overrated.
108. Eat what you crave, no matter the extra miles.
109. Try things at your own expense
110. A woman needs money of her own and always be able to stand on her own feet, fly with her own wings.
111. You are never too old for pink or any pastel, for that matter.
112. Have your resume be reviewed
113. Have a go-to interview outfit
114. Do laundry as soon as one load is piled
115. Switch up your tea.
116. Find local events
117. Volunteer!
118. Sync all the calendars
119. update software
120. read before you click
121. Make appointments early, they take forever to get back to you
122. Don’t do things for the sake of doing them. For example, I should revisit notes and lists. Be aware of the progress.
123. Google may know a lot of things, but cannot explain everything.
124. You cannot live life alone.
125. Be yourself.
126. Keep a clock, watch, timer…always in sight!

And on that note, it is bedtime.

A lot of things are still a work in progress, but I know more of the general mistakes to avoid. So many mistakes and regrets can be avoided with the rules above.

I wish everyone happy holidays. A new year is coming!

In the coming year, I will be leveling up on the skills above and find new grounds to build. I am glad to say that progress has been made, in unexpected ways. I was lucky to have been helped by a good soul.

No matter where you go, it’s up to you, your actions, choices and habits.