Hiking the Dipsea Trail

Hiking the Dipsea Trail with ocean views from Stinson Beach on a clear day

Scenic and challenging, the Dipsea Trail offers ocean views, redwoods, and steep climbs—perfect for hikers craving nature, solitude, and a great workout.

Growing Up Asian in Texas

Growing up Korean as only Asians in Texas in 1970s

I moved to Mesquite, Texas from Seoul, Korea in 1976 when I was ten. My parents chose Texas because my uncles had already settled there. From the start, growing up in Texas as the only Asian in school wasn’t easy. I felt different, and not in a good way.

When Grown Kids Call

Middle-aged woman talking on the phone with a caring and slightly concerned expression, representing when grown kids call their mom for help or advice

Are you a parent with grown kids?
Then you probably know what it feels like when grown kids call out of the blue. It’s rarely just a friendly check-in. More often, it’s something urgent, unexpected—or mildly dramatic.

As much as I love hearing from mine, I’ve learned to pause

Being a Woman in Business

Being a woman business

Running a business as a woman came with challenges I never saw coming. For over 20 years, I juggled long hours, tough decisions, and the constant pressure to keep things going. I managed staff, helped customers, and wore every hat you can imagine. It

Living in Davis California

Living and raising a family in Davis, California

Living in Davis, California was one of the most meaningful chapters of my life. This small, bike-friendly college town was where I raised my daughters and built a life filled with community and memories. Davis is known for its flat streets, safe neighborhoods,

Parents Who Prefer Sons

Parents who prefer sons

Growing up in a traditional Korean family, I always knew my parents preferred sons. They didn’t have to say it out loud. I felt it in the way they treated my brothers, the expectations they placed on us, and the silence that followed my own achievements. Being a

Why You Should Start Saving Early

Why you should start saving money early

When I was younger, saving money was the last thing on my mind. Like most people in their twenties, I figured I had plenty of time to figure it all out later. But looking back, I wish someone had told me how powerful it is to start saving early—even if it’s just a

Plastic Surgery: Is It Worth It?

Why I think plastic surgery is a good idea

Plastic surgery has always been seen as a quick fix to feel better about ourselves. I thought the same when I decided to go under the knife in my early thirties. However, as I look back now, I realize it wasn’t as simple—or as satisfying—as I had hoped. In

Struggling to Focus?

My Struggles with focus

Not being able to focus has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I struggled with a short attention span and found it nearly impossible to sit still or stay focused in class. Because of that, I often felt like something was wrong

Exploring San Francisco

I spent two weeks visiting San Francisco, exploring everything from lush green parks to charming neighborhoods that felt alive with color and energy. Before this trip, I’d heard stories of people leaving the city, calling it a ghost town. But what I found was the complete