My first academic year has come to a close and I am now back home in sunny, Southern California again. Ending the year was quite the hassle and a great deal of stress, but I pulled through and it was really worth the struggle. I am living in wonderful average-75-degree weather with the splendid California sun and sleeping in my bed at home where fantastic food awaits me every morning, lunch and dinner. For the few days that I've been home, I realized quite a number of things about the Southern Californian way of living.

Before leaving for Chicago, I was restless staying in my hometown. I was quite ungrateful for the calm schedule of every day in this tranquil place. Looking back, I was naïve for thinking that Los Angeles was boring or too slow for me. It's true that compared to the rest of the world, SoCal (nickname for Southern California) is a place of slow living. I have been experiencing that the entire time that I've been home, but this time, it's a really nice change from the hustle bustle of Chicago to the calm breezes of Los Angeles. The experience in a more urban setting has helped me truly appreciate the slow living style of my home state of California.

Although it can get a bit mundane, I now understand that I simply have to change my perspective and then, I will not tire of it. I find small details and little sprinkles of inspiration wherever I may be. These places may not have changed the past six months, but I find ways to see something unique and maybe even strange, about everything around me. This little find-inspiration-everywhere game has helped me understand and appreciate my home in a new way.

I am so happy to be spending this summer home and basking in this slow life while I can.