**Originally posted September 2009**
"Do you enjoy life at all, like going to clubs or bars?"....... "Don't you enjoy shopping? No woman doesn't, right?" ---- these are some of the questions I used to get before when some probably wonder why they don't see pictures of me, or from me, clubbing or shopping.
Do I enjoy life at all? I DO, so happy, contented and at peace with the joys of simple life. Let me share with you my simple joys
......
In my regular days, when most people are probably still in deep slumber at 5:00 am, I am already awake and preparing for school. Though still sleepy, I have to be awake. By 5:45 am, I am sitting on the bus on my way to school. During the ride, I extend my sleep for even just 30 minutes :( Sometimes, I would take a peek at the bus window to gaze at the beautiful sunrise. If I am inspired enough, I would take out my cell phone and take a snap shot of the early morning rising sun.
Sunrise Using a Cell Phone Camera
But most of the time, I am just too sleepy that I simply close my eyes and continue to be in dreamland. However, when I get off the bus, I am as energized as I can be, for after-all, I should! I should not look more sleepy than my students. At school, I am transformed, no more sleepiness. I just have that inherent joy to share what I love to do the most, that is to teach.
Now, after school or after work, here in America, work continues at home. We have to clean the house, water the plants, do laundry, cook meals. Another simple thing in life that I have learned to take joy in it is to be self-sufficient and not relying on helpers to do household chores that we ourselves can do. Of course, at first, I thought it was hard, but as time passed by, I find so much happiness in doing household chores. Self-sufficiency has opened my world not only to how much we can save in the process but also to the ultimate joy of being free at home, free from prying helper's eyes. I am free to enjoy every corner of our house in whatever physical appearance.
At home, I cook our own meals since I believe it is healthier. Thankfully, cooking is not work at all for me, it is one of the simple things in life I love doing best and take joy in it. I love to whip up everything from scratch.
We prefer to just simply eat at home and take control of what we eat.
When the day is longer, that is late spring to early fall, between school and home, there is enough time for us to explore our beautiful world outside. During weekends, instead of dining out and spending money in the mall shopping, we just take our simple delights to the trails or to the ocean, or both.
finding joy in hiking, our local work-out @ Torrey Pines Trail
finding joy in hiking, our local work-out @ Lake Hodges
Either we hike, snorkel, boogie board, or do them all in one day.
finding joy in snorkeling
We have fun, we get exercise, all for free!
Now, if not working, or not outdoors to energize our body and spirit, at home, when there is free time, I blog. I blog because I find joy in sharing the joys of simple life. I blog because I see blogging as an opportunity to learn from others and also earn on the side to give the gift of education to some deprived kids and some who may be in the most need.
Working meaningfully as a teacher, enjoying life at the great outdoors, being self-sufficient, saving money for the future, earning a little bit more from blogging to sponsor some kids to school and sharing some of our blessings to meaningful causes, are what I call,
"The Joys of Simple Life". Come, enjoy life as simple as it can be.
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