More Than Birthdays

A collection of logs on what it means to celebrate life and being.

October 2020 Log

When I had a video call with some of my friends a day after my birthday, one of them asked me if I added to my life goals as I welcomed a new age. It occurred to me that instead of goals, I carried life philosophies learned from the previous months and a list written down in the first week of my birth month.

WISDOM NOTES & LIST

Accepting the present and being more present, I shall:

1) Thrive for a life of holistic well-being for myself and others.

2) Grow with my family through every endeavor.

3) Create, learn, and create again believing in my strengths and potential.

4) Revive a yearly tradition that began when I turned 25, celebrating Life for a whole month with a series of passion projects; and

5) Remember this insight from Henri Nouwen:

A Scrapbook of Celebrations ~

2017 log

Twenty-five: a Silver Lining

Whilst my hair's still perfectly dark brown and not a tinge of silvery-white strand appears, there's more to becoming twenty-five, I’ve gathered. I've decided to make my transition to the quarter-life interestingly productive by engaging in activities that:

1) set the foundations of a future (hello tammiesunday and thrift shop);

2) feed the creative mind (attended a basic photography workshop, a series of creative talks, and a play; and participated in a Halloween event);

3) rekindle friendships (met up with my teammate and college friends); and

4) celebrate the individual self and family (yes, the birthday and becoming and being a TWIRISTA).

For the whole month of October, I worked on this project. Each week, I made it a point to participate in activities that contributed to my learning, thinking, and creating; all of which were within the grounds of my interest. If there's one thing I've picked up, it's this: Process reconciles age and wisdom.

1: October babies birthday celebration, 2: Meat Plus Cafe after visiting a photography gallery, 3: Scout Mag Creative talk, 4: Halloween decoration, 5: School play, 6: Work presentation

2018 log

Turning Twenty Six: tammiesunday's blog launch and the first entry

Linking my blog entry on life learned lessons and a birthday diary where I shared how to prepare for Wine Night at home and re-use old decorations.

P.S.

I still believe in the wisdom of my 26-year-old self.

I still like wine, cheese, and decorations.

2019 log

Turning Twenty Seven and my freelance journey

Tammie Sunday in 27, a featurette inspired by Funny Face, channeling a natural Jo Stockton and less uptight Blair Waldorf.

This one's one of my best birthdays ever because 27 years marks how I've fully embraced being an adult and realized that Love grows; is beautiful & complex; and shouldn't set expectations but that of deep understanding & acceptance. I am thankful for life and all that it brings.

Freelance Learnings/Notes

2019

• streamline to industry of focus

• setting up the journey includes consulting with mentor-figures, creating the tammiesunday brand, optimizing my social & digital accounts, updating my CV, building a portfolio, attending events and collaborating

• blog site's intentions shifted from a post work-activity into an online portfolio

• acquiring projects through referrals and online networking (e.g.bumble biz) is part of the first step

• experiencing various creative work for consulting firms and agencies allows you to explore related work and find mentorship through work

• treat freelance as a service business and learn more about it

2020

• long term freelance contracts

• online classes on marketing: digital, content, and social media

• content experiments and blog learnings

• discovering my strength in content creation and marketing through work projects and immersions

2020 LOG

Twenty Eight: still thriving & discovering k-content

This birthday's no different. It's really all I need.

If there's one thing I am grateful for, it's the Life and Love You've graced me with. I've felt it throughout the 28 years of my life, but this time I can see it more clearly...I truly am *Nothin' without you!*

You've always been there to shower me with all forms of Love. The warmth & joy of a Home; the patience & understanding of Family; the vulnerability & sincerity of closest Friends; the guidance & counsel of Mentors; and the beauty & wonders of a World you've created not only for me but for us.

Here's to continuously thriving toward a life of wholistic well being. In doing so, I am hoping others may benefit (from it) too.

My Hallyu (The Korean Wave) Journey

• began with the impact of dramas Itaewon Class, Because This Is My First, and Misaeng and a variety show called Jipsabu (To All The Butlers)

• explored more of the K-lifestyle (influenced by Kdrama) with Korean grocery buys of coffee mixes, ramyeon, kimchi, and ice cream; mom's home-cooked Korean food with recipes sourced from Koreanbapsang; trying on face masks and compiling a K-workout playlist

• formed friendships over Korean drama and culture conversations and received recommendations on Kpop groups and content

• looked more into BTS and the history of K-pop; fell into a rabbit hole of research and online streams and bought merchandise