Update

Beginning to appreciate the Dodgers.

Softball practice.

It's been almost a month since I've updated this blog, so I am now taking the time to jot down a few things in order to reflect upon in the future.

So, I've already been working at my financial firm for a month. I have my routine of waking up at 5:30, going to work, dropping by my the gym for a steam sauna session, and then sleeping by 11. During the week I have a Monday bible study with 3 co-workers, Tuesday Korean class, Wednesday late work days due to preparing a report for portfolio meetings on Thursday, and then the week coasts forward. In between there has been a financial district softball tournament, preparation for firm fantasy football, and random trips to go to Korea-town for lunch. My co-workers are all very cordial and friendly in all our short conversations. Company unwritten laws include buying breakfast for everyone with your first paycheck, buying breakfast when you come back from vacation, and buying breakfast when you make the accounting department work a little harder from a mistake you made. Common lunchroom talks range from complaining about car payments to discussing the latest merger. Overall, I am enjoying my experience, but would have to admit it is very different from academic life.

On a more serious note, I've noticed something missing in me ever since I came back from Korea. I began to consider...is it due to my lack of opportunity in the Korean countryside to articulate my thoughts to another English-speaking person...perhaps a slight shattering of my idealistic mindset...I am still in reflection. One thing is certain; I am definitely not the same person I was one year ago.

I value sincerity very highly; thus, I sincerely admit I am lacking in so many different aspects of my persona...So I pray constantly for empathy, love, and discernment.

The Lord is my shepherd. I am but a dumb sheep.

Play dead

My dog stares maliciously at the possum (who for some reason ran straight to my dog).

Escaping from the trash can.

In the trash can.

A few weeks ago my dad told me to follow him outside. Once we arrrived at our driveway, he opens up a trash can....and I look into the eyes of one of the ugliest creatures alive: a possum. Apparently, my dog had tackled and pinned down a possum last night. The possum had played dead, but my unaware dad put the possum into a bag to place into the trash can. When he opened the trash the next morning, the possum had come out of the bag and was eating our trash. My father and I then allowed the possum to escape by toppling over the trash can.

Interesting Sunday morning.

Ungrateful Fool

Alarm goes off at 5:30...Wake up and see the darkness that is still the morning. Make breakfast, read the paper, and then off to downtown LA. Make my way through traffic, arrive at my building, take the elevator, and walk to my cubicle (I must add it's a very nice cubicle). Eat lunch with co-workers at 12:30 and then go back to work. At 5, drive home or meet up with people around the area. Sleep by 11.

On the surface, this encompasses my daily schedule. Just ended my first week of real full-time work, and still adjusting to the routine (feels a but like high school). It is sad, but I've discovered many people have become jaded in the workplace, and it has become a place of drudgery and responsibilities. And I have already begun the process of daily complaints and the yearning for lunch hour.

How dare I! I am so fortunate to be working and learning so much every day. I am blessed to be breathing (literally). I am blessed to have found work so quickly. I am blessed to have been given an opportunity to learn about risk management, credit analysis, portfolio management, and the entire process of asset-based lending, approvals, disbursements, and collection at a small and growing financing firm (factoring, letters of credit, insurance). I am blessed to have great co-workers, and a small group to do bible study after work every Monday in a board room looking over Los Angeles. I am blessed to have a family to go back to every day and share dinner. I am just super blessed and fortunate.

I will try my best to refrain from complaining; instead, strive to learn and pursue excellence in the work that I do.

Wake up at 530AM. Praise God for another day. Praise God constantly during the day. Make a positive impact on my workplace. Do not succumb to drudgery. Love, and then love some more.