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Twen-TEA Seven | Jin’s April 2025
- knowledgepostcollege
- May 5
- 6 min read
This month, I welcomed my late 20's and it feels surreal saying that. The older I get, it seems the younger I feel at heart but I look back at all my experiences so far and I do feel a tad bit wiser or mature. I do think with each year, I get more scared of aging or time moving on so quickly before I can even wrap my head around it. However, I think in moments of stillness where I can truly take time to reflect and look back (such as when I get to write my blog), I find that I have no regrets and I'm more excited of what's to come.
Lifestyle: Back to Back Festivities
Travel
Singapore/ Bali
This month, I finally went on my long awaited Singapore/ Bali Trip. It's my first time traveling to both places so it was so exciting! Highlights of Singapore has to be the food and drinks. Singapore has such a wide mix of cultures so the mix of cuisines in food was delicious, including Indian, Indonesian, and Chinese food! I also got to have a reunion with durian from the last time I had it in Thailand and it was as good as I remembered it! Other than food, I had such a great time meeting up with friends who were also there at the same time and just exploring the city together. The highlight of this group has to be our spontaneos pocha night out where we just ended up yapping for hours. From Singapore, we flew over to Bali where my friend was having her wedding! I was surprised by so many motorcycles on the road and all the traffic it took to get anywhere. However, the beach was so pretty and the vibes were immaculate. Although I didn't get to explore too much as we were busy with the wedding, I could see why it would be such a great place to visit.
Social media only captures the highlights of a trip and not so many of the lows. Throughout the trip there were a few troubles that came along the way. This was my first international trip with my boyfriend and we got into a few arguments throught the way. Coincidentally, we had one small argument in Singapore and one big fight in Bali. However, throughout it all, we were able to get through it with clear communication and understanding. I used to be someone who found it hard to vocalize my thoughts and feelings but I'm glad I have a partner who is willing to hear how I feel without judgement.
Wedding/ Wedding Party
Being a part of my first wedding as an adult was more of an emotional experience than I though it'd be. It's still surreal that my 5th grade friend is now married! I still remember playing FMK (iykyk) game at retreats together and here she is marrying the love of her life! I learned so much also being a part of the wedding party. I think there's a lot more I wish I could've done but wasn't sure as it was my first time being a bridesmaid. However, it made me very happy to hear that she had the best night ever, which is all I could ever ask for.
I'm not a gal who ever dreamed of a perfect wedding but seeing their wedding made me start to envision what my wedding would look like one day. Although I still feel miles away from then, I hope that it's as magical as I hope they felt that night.
Birthday
Celebrations
This month was a month of celebrations as it was also my birthday! On the day of my birthday, I took it really chill by getting lunch with my dad as well as getting my favorite birthday freebie for dinner aka free boiling point hot pot. Joseph planned a little birthday celebration for me in OC and it was such a fun little kickback! I realized that as much I love going out for friends or celebrations, I'm starting to much prefer a small get together at someone's house nowadays. I got to each some cake, drink some drink, and play some fun games (new and old)! Besides this, I planned a girlies tea party where I had so much planning and decorating. Although the tea place did most of the set up, I wanted my friends to feel special with a name tag and a little goodie bag. For fun, I also created a little quiz of "who know me the best" and the winner got to walk away with a french press! All in all, I had so much fun celebrating with my girlies even if they were all of my different friend groups combined.
Besties Reunion
Stephanie also came over to LA as our tradition to visit each other on our birthdays. I planned lots of activities for us to do throughout the week including movies, yogas, and lots of yummy restaurants. Besides this, I also planned a Korean spa day and it was so much fun because it was Stephanie's very first time going to a Korean spa. It was also so much fun for me as I haven't gone to a Korean spa in several years as well. Even throughout the stressful/ busy work week, it was so much fun having Stephanie around as there were so many activities to look forward to together. I feel so lucky to have a friend like her who always make me feel appreciated!
Reflections:
As my birthday approached, my coworker asked me how I felt about turning 27 as well as their experiences for when they were 27 as they're older than me. They shared their feeling of being lost in their career and wanting to pivot/ jump into MBA school. They then asked me to share how I feel about turning 27 or what I'm looking forward to. I made a quick pause to reflect and this is what I came up with. I feel like ever since post grad, I've been working super hard to prove to myself and others that I can make it (whatever that means). Even in the moments of feeling lost, I pushed myself and worked hard to land myself in the position of my career and at this job where I'm working at. Although I know that luck I'm sure had a play in it, I feel grateful that at 27, I'm at the place that I hoped/ wished to be when I was a fresh graduate. Even for friendships, I recall wondering how my friendships will survive throughout Covid or post-grad life. Now, I look at all the friends I'm surrounded by and feel so lucky to be a part of such a supportive circle. After my breakup post-grad, I wondered if I would ever be lucky to find another person I can truly connect with. Today, I'm with such a wonderful boyfriend who always support me in everything.
I'm so used to running towards my next goal and the next thing that I don't think I've had many moments to pause and only looking at the things I lack. So for my 27, I'm using it as a time to stop feeling rushed and enjoy the present moment. It doesn't mean that I'll be complacent at where I'm at but rather deciding to live in the present.
Thank you to everyone in my life who continue to support me and love me.
Songs on Repeat:
My Pick of the Month: blind boxes
I loved my little trinkets of San Rio products but I haven't been much of a blind box girl... until now. Ever since I picked up a Miniso San Rio blind box at Singapore, I have been obsessed. The gif above was another San Rio blind box that Stephanie and I got together at the popmart at Century City mall and I actually ended up getting a defective one? That had never happened to me until now. All in all, the excitement and dopamine of opening a blind box needs to be studied. I don't need to add another expensive hobby to my list but it's so much fun that I'll treat myself to one every now and then!
How lucky am I to feel so blessed and happy with everyone in my life. I pinch myself sometimes thinking how lucky I am at times because I feel like I really am at a good place that I've always dreamt of. As I grow older, I realize there'll always be better things and you can always be doing better. However, I realize it's important to just stop and reflect at your blessings. I'm living the life that I've wanted and worked towards the last several years and I want to take a moment to thank myself for being so strong but I also know that I would be nothing without the people around me. I feel so grateful to be surrounded by people in my life that truly love and appreciate me so much. Cheers to 27!
Talk to you next month,
-- Jin
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