Quality Time | Jin’s June 2026

This month has really been a reminder that quality time can take so many different forms. Whether it was celebrating friends’ milestones, trying new creative classes, going on double dates, spending slow moments alone, or even just being present with family and coworkers, I found myself returning again and again to the importance of being intentional with my time. In the middle of a busy and sometimes exhausting month, the most meaningful moments weren’t necessarily the biggest ones - they were the ones where I felt connected, present, and grounded in the people and experiences around me.

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Lifestyle: Travel & Relationships

Friends

Remi's Bday Party

This month, I got to celebrate our friend's dog, Remi, at his birthday party! We had a BBQ at the park, enjoyed delicious food, and spent quality time with our friends. It was such a fun and relaxing day, and I loved getting to make more special memories together. Moments like these remind me how important it is to slow down and enjoy quality time with the people we care about.

Painting

One of my favorite experiences this month was taking a Gudetama ceramics painting class with my friend Yuri. The class even included free matcha, which made the experience even more enjoyable! It was so much fun, and I realized how much I love trying creative activities and taking classes together instead of the usual routine of just grabbing food and hanging out. I really enjoyed spending quality time with Yuri while creating something we could take home as a reminder of the day. It was such a meaningful way to connect, and I can't wait to do more creative experiences like this in the future.

Yetep

Another highlight of the month was getting to see Yetep DJ again! I convinced a few of my friends to come with me for a fun throwback night, and it ended up being such a great time. I used to listen to Yetep all the time in college, so hearing those nostalgic songs again brought back so many memories. Some of my friends already knew his music, while others had never heard of him but were excited to come along anyway. I had an absolute blast dancing, singing along, and sharing an artist I love with people who were willing to experience something new together. Missed Stephanie there because we used to chase Yetep everywhere in college from LA to Riverside.

Love

Solo Day

This month, I decided to prioritize myself by taking myself on a solo date. Even though it was something simple - a nice happy hour with a glass of wine, a good book, and a hot girl walk afterward - it ended up being one of my favorite moments of the month. It was so peaceful to slow down, enjoy my own company, and be fully present in the moment. It reminded me that I don't always need to wait for someone else to enjoy the little things in life. It's definitely something I want to do more often in the future.

Double Dates

I also continued the double date fun this month! Crystal, Brian, my boyfriend and I went on a dinner date where we enjoyed giant salmon nigiri before checking out Mixue for dessert. Afterward, we played a few games of pickleball, which made for such a fun and active evening.

Later in the month, we had another double date with Priss and Drew. We took them to Picalili, a new spot for them to try, and ended the night with a nice walk together. I always appreciate these simple moments - sharing good food, trying new places, and spending quality time with people I care about. These little outings have become some of my favorite memories.

626 Night Market

Although I didn't travel this month, I still got to have a fun little adventure close to home with a full 626 Day! We started with a delicious Hong Kong-style brunch before heading to the 626 Night Market for my very first time. It had been on my list for a while, and it definitely lived up to the hype. One of the highlights was finally trying balut, something I've been curious about for the longest time. Besides all the amazing food, I also picked up a few cute finds that I've been really enjoying. It was such a fun reminder that you don't have to travel far to experience something new and make great memories.

La Brea Tar Pit

I also got the chance to visit the La Brea Tar Pits before they closed, which had been on my list for a while. I didn't realize how small the museum actually was, but we still had a great time exploring and learning about its history.

Afterward, we stumbled upon a nearby happy hour, and it turned into a fun, spontaneous way to end the day. Sometimes the unplanned moments end up being the most memorable!

Family

Father's Day

I also got to spend some quality time with my dad for Father's Day. I took him to a healthy Korean restaurant that he ended up really enjoying, and it was such a nice way to celebrate him. Moments like these remind me why I work so hard. Being able to treat and spoil the people I love is one of the most rewarding feelings, and it makes all of the hard work feel completely worth it.

Moving

This month also marked a huge milestone, I moved out of the apartment I'd called home for the past three and a half years. Funny enough, I only moved across the street, but it was still a ton of work! Even though the move wasn't far, packing, unpacking, and getting settled definitely kept me busy.

I'm so excited for this new space. We went from a 3-bedroom, 2-bath apartment to a 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath, and it already feels like such a better fit for this next chapter. I was also really grateful that our conversation with our former roommate went so well. We all parted on great terms, are still friends, and are excited for each other's next chapter.

Seeing our new place come together has been so rewarding, and I'm already so proud of how cozy and homey it feels. I can't wait to continue making memories here and truly make it our own.

Work

Kintsugi

One of the highlights at work this month was our quarterly corporate bonding event, which I helped organize. This time, we all took a kintsugi class, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. I loved how symbolic the experience was - it serves as a reminder that things don't have to be perfect to be beautiful, and that our flaws, challenges, and experiences can become part of what makes us stronger. It was such a meaningful activity to share with my coworkers, and I'm grateful I got to help bring it all together.

Sick Day

With all the busy schedules, events, and moving, I ended up feeling pretty exhausted - literally running on low energy with dark circles to prove it. I woke up on Monday not feeling my best, so I decided to take a sick day for the first time this year.

It was a good reminder that I need to put myself first sometimes and really take care of my body, both physically and mentally. Rest is just as important as productivity, and it's okay to slow down when you need it.

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Lows & Lessons:

This month's lows and lessons were about learning to put myself first and being okay with resting. I'm always so willing to say yes and show up for my friends and family, but with such a chaotic schedule this month, I realized how important it is to also show up for myself.

I made a point to go on a solo date and even took a sick day when I needed it. Both experiences reminded me how valuable it is to slow down and take time for myself. It felt really grounding to rest without guilt and just be present with my own needs.

Overall, it was a meaningful reminder to be kinder to myself and to make sure I create space for quality time alone, not just with others.

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Songs on Repeat:

Ribs - Lorde

Sue me - Audry Hobert

... hate that i made you love me - Ariana Grande

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My Pick of the Month: Wine Bar

This month’s pick has to be nangmyeon, a Korean summer staple. With how hot it’s been outside lately, it’s become such a refreshing and satisfying go-to meal for me. It’s light, cold, and super yummy - perfect for the weather. I definitely recommend trying it if you haven’t already!

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This month really reaffirmed how much quality time matters to me. Whether it was shared moments with friends and family, trying new experiences, or even slowing down for time alone, I realized it’s not about how much I do, but how present I am in the moments I do have. Even through the busy days and exhaustion, the memories that stood out most were the ones where I felt connected, grounded, and intentional with my time. Going forward, I want to continue protecting that space for quality time - both with others and with myself - and carry this reminder into the months ahead.

Talk to you next month,

-- Jin