Enjoying the Simple Things: Frypan & Coffee

Sometimes it is the simple things in life that can bring so much joy. Something I’m learning as I get older is that fancy isn’t always necessary. It’s the little things that make me smile. Like eating frypan chicken (best boneless chicken tenders) and getting coffee with friends. Last week, as we were enjoying frypan chicken, more than halfway through it, I realized I forgot to take a picture of the chicken! We were so hungry from taking pictures all day (read the previous post), that we ate so quickly.  There were a few pieces left so I did squeeze in one photo of it.

There’s a cafe on the second floor of my apartment building. My friends and I go there quite often and spend hours there (80% work, 20%  talking). It is small, cozy and has comfortable chairs. There’s always space and we are regulars. It’s a second home of ours.

Finding Joy in the Small Things

Slice of Life Challenge Entry #31

It’s in appreciating those small moments that I find joy peeking out. I can’t help, but reflect on joy (my one little word for 2012) as I come up with my final post for the slice of life challenge. This past week in Paris, it all seems like it was a dream. Was I really in Paris? As I remember Paris, all the glamour and glitz, I am reminded of the small things that brought me joy there.

1 out of 6 people in Paris have dogs. I saw people walking their dogs all over the city. I loved seeing dogs with their heads poking out of bags on the subways. I saw dogs not on leashes roaming the parks. Of course, with a lot of dogs, you know what that means. You need to watch out for the dog poo on the streets, but that wasn’t too difficult.

All the subway stations had different feels and designs inside. There was definitely a distinct feel in some stations. I loved being able to find pockets of art, design and inspiration in subway stations.

I loved seeing people carry long baguettes in their bags or in their hand in the morning. I loved being able to go to the boulangerie (bakery) next to our hotel in the morning to get fresh baguettes, pain au chocolat or whatever our hearts desired.

One of the best things to do is walk the streets of Paris at night. There is so much energy and people out. There is so much beauty all around. Restaurants and cafes are full even at 10pm. I wondered what time they go to work in the morning.

As a teacher, I loved strolling around book stores and reading books. Every time I came across a book store, I felt like I found a hidden gem.

j o y.

2012 has seemed to snuck up on me. I mean I knew that the end of the year was almost here with Christmas rolling on by, but I never seem fully ready for it.  As a teacher, I naturally categorize the beginning of the year in August when the school year starts, and the end of the year in June when school ends. So I always kind of forget that our actual year ends in December, and I should be thinking of new year’s resolutions.

Since Stacey posted about having one little word for the new year on the two writing teachers blog, I’ve been trying to think of what my word should be. It’s always hard to narrow down your hopes and goal for a year into one little word. However, in the process I’ve came up with 3 words that I think are important for me this year:

• freedom
• love
• joy

Out of these three words, I’m choosing j o y as my one little word! I feel like 2011 was a pretty amazing year for me in many ways. I grew a lot as a teacher, friend, and sister. I made some important decisions about my career and really deepened a lot of amazing friendships I have in Seoul and NY.

Even though this past year was really great, it was also really busy. I think that in a lot of ways, I lost sight of the joy I have in doing these things because I was more focused on getting things done than really enjoying the moment.

One of the definitions for joy in the dictionary is a source or cause of delight. I want to rediscover in 2012 my joy for teaching. I want it to be more than just a job. I want it to be something that gives me joy daily. I want to give my students joy in their journey as learners. I’m not really sure what that will look like practically every day, but I’m sure I’ll figure it out along the way.

I’m also hoping that I can experience more joy, not only in my teaching, but in my relationships, family and spiritual life.  I want to really delight in all the amazing people and blessings that God has placed in my life.

Here are some things I’ve found j o y in 2012 already!

Spending time with my brothers who like to take photos like me!

Spending time with my friends who do crazy things. Ok, this is not that crazy though.

Spending new year's with my extended family!

Fry pan chicken, deep conversations & melody JOY welton!

Hanging out with my brother in person!!

Starting a new teaching blog with an amazing, talented, and self confident friend!

What is your one little word for 2012?

For more slice of life entries go to two writing teachers! I hope some of you will join this amazing writing community this year.