Funny thing that happens when you try to refocus your energy. I'm not exactly Julia Roberts but I am not disliking playing the role. I'm taking my times enjoying great food, really seeing the beautiful bits of the city/culture in Hanoi, and most of all learning to appreciate the awesome qualities present in all the people surrounding me.
I started to meditate a little bit...something really out of character for me. It started when I began reading a book that isn't necessarily about meditation but about mindfulness, accepting and letting go of one's ego, and learning to be an active participant and witness in life but not its lawyer, judge, defendant, or plaintiff. I'm not very far into the book so we'll see where it takes me. I am starting to more seriously consider a 10-day non-speaking meditation retreat in the mountains of Vietnam though...something I literally laughed at the thought of when the idea first presented itself.
The other thing that I've been doing more so to really clear my head is running. I won't lie, I am not a runner. I kind of hated it before I came to Vietnam. But now...I've found a beautiful lake to run around during sunset, discovered that running hard makes my mind stop and my body go and it's pretty freaking amazing. I might just be extra motivated right now because I ran nonstop for the longest time tonight since...iono...high school?
Anyway, things are picking up and so is my work making my days really full. The research won't be complete until pretty far into my fourth year of medical school but I really don't mind. I am kind of loving my laissez-faire kind of attitude. Hahaha....weird...this growing up thing. I don't think I am a different person but I am definitely changing.
Okay - here are some random iPhone pictures because it has been awhile!
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| This was probably the best roast duck I ever had...paired with that fried sticky rice? REALLLY??? <3 |
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| Fanny Ice Cream - BUFFET NIGHT! |
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| Friend from Finland (who went back tonight!!!) and Mon who is making sure all her friends are happy fatties. :D |
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| I am like Twilight's Bella for Mosquitos - those suckers love me. And my housemate felt my pain and gave me this!!! |
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| sleepoveeeerrr! |
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| Hehehe, we are all lying right next to each other. This is us watching Dexter after napping. :P |
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| My cousin hanging with me and meeting my friends to make sure they are good people. |
