My Hobbies

Reading

I enjoy reading books in my free time; I find that it helps me wind down while allowing me to learn more about the world. Some of my favorite genres are memoirs and biographical fiction but I love the occasional easy rom-com read as well.

One of my favorite books of all time is Crying in Hmart by Michelle Zauner, which explores topics of identity, family, grief, love, and belonging as Zauner finds her own identity through the processing of the loss of her mother and thereby parts of her Korean heritage. This memoir was beautifully reflective, honest, and personal in light of loss and I'd recommend the book to anyone.

I'm currently reading Play It As It Lays by Joan Didion, marking my fourth read of Didion's.

Cooking

I love to cook. Growing up, I was always in the kitchen in some way, whether it be "helping" my grandparents make dumplings or baking desserts for my parents' card game nights. Over the years, I've gotten significantly better at my craft and I've learned to also love trying new recipes. I think that cooking with or for someone is such a special thing; it's a level of care and affection that I experienced in my home growing up and I find myself constantly yearning for a warm, hearty, homecooked meal these days. I don't get to cook elaborate meals as often as I'd like with a busy college/work schedule, but when I do, I always feel accomplished when a dish turns out well.

Lately, I've been exploring recipes from Cook This Book by Molly Baz and Sweet Potato Love by Jackie Garvin.

Watching TV/Movies

My favorite shows include The White Lotus and The Queen's Gambit, and my favorite movies include Aftersun, We Live in Time, and The Spectacular Now. I love a suspenseful, dramatic show while my beloved movies similarly lean into topics of life, death, and existentialism with coming-of-age undertones. I also love a lighthearted watch for ease of mind. I'll actually agree to watch anything, good or bad, but I will leave with opinions. Admittedly, I've seen 19 seasons of Grey's Anatomy.

Playing Card Games

I'm a big fan of Texas Hold'em and Egyptian Ratscrew. There's something about card games that makes me ultra competitive, probably since I grew up with an older brother who dominated at them.

Woodworking

I've made a couple of furniture pieces and completed a fair amount of set wordworking for themed entertainment. My favorite pieces include a modern side table and a geometric lamp.