N A N P H A N

I used to look forward to this day. Birthdays used to feel like a special day — it’s your day. Wear that new outfit. Do your hair. Get your nails done. You’d walk out the door feeling unstoppable. But recently, for me, it’s just been another day. A sad day. A reminder of how fast time is moving. It makes me reflect on life at a hyper-focused scale — especially after hitting the third decade. I find myself thinking about the few friends I have, where I’m at in life, and the things I’ve achieved — or have yet to achieve. It just goes more downhill from here, right? More wrinkles. More joint pain and aches. More stress. More expectations. Life moves differently for everyone, but at some point the societal questions start creeping in: You’re still living at home at X age? You’re X and not married and no kids? You’re still at that job? Same position? No house yet? Getting a year older makes me sad because, well… I don’t want to be older. Sometimes it just feels like I’m running out of time. But nonetheless, I’m grateful to see another year. Grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given and the things I’ve been able to achieve. Grateful for the few friends I have, and the ones I’ve crossed paths with — even if only for a short while. Experiences shape who you are. And even though I didn’t get to choose all the cards I was dealt, I think the journey I’ve been on has been a pretty interesting ride in shaping who I am today. Maybe the best parts of my life are still ahead of me. Cheers to what’s to come.

Iceland, you are so cool 🤍 #iceland #travel #waterfall #europe #adventure

Thankful I got to check off a bucket list item this year; Cat Island. Had lot of emotions about this experience, sadness, excitement, nervousness, uncertainty. There was an eerie quiet feeling on the island, not many residents but plenty of cats. Might seem like a cat lover’s dream, but the reality is it’s quite sad when you know all of them won’t get full medical attention, love, food etc. The remaining residents do their best to feed and care for them but, there are just so so many. Though I feel hopeless because I can’t do much, my goal was to spend as much time with them as I can. Playing with them, petting them, treats, telling them how sweet they are and showing them as much love as time allows. The island is so far and out of the way but it was the highlight of my Japan trip— my whole reason why I even went. #japan #catisland #tashirojima

25,000 steps a day 🇯🇵 Tokyo > Hakone > Kyoto > Sendai > Tokyo Akasaka, Meiji Shrine, Kamakura, Tsukiji Market, Giant Buddha, Ginza, Cat Fest, Yokohama, Shibuya, Starbucks Reserve, Lake Ashi, Hakone Ropeway, Owakudani, Fushimi Inari, Gion District, Osaka, Gotokuji temple, monkey park, bamboo forest, Nishiki market, Nara, Ishinomaki, Disney Sea, Asakasa .. and lots more #japan #tokyo #travel #kyoto #asiatravel

I miss you everyday, but especially today— and probably every Sept 25. I miss our cuddles, our nap times, how you’d greet me when I came home, how you’d patiently wait outside my showers, how excited you get for the laser, the funny way you drank water, the way you hung out when I did work, you were always there no matter what I was doing. I miss your purrs, your soft belly, your excitement for my sweaty socks, your meows for prosciutto, I miss everything about you. I met you in 2015 when I didn’t even know anything about cats, strays, or having a pet. I was at a low point in my life, I was lost and confused, but you redefined that. I am who I am today; a cat loving girl who continues to care about the strays, all because of you. You’re a fluff ball that gave me so much purpose, so much happiness and so much love. You would’ve turned 10 this year. Happy 10 years of loving you, Fluffy. Thank you for everything. 🩶

First 10k for the books—haven’t felt truly “proud” of myself in a while. Feels like I’ve been stuck in this rut, months go by and it becomes this numbing cycle. But May 11, 2025 was a good day even though I was dreading it for months prior. For others it may be “ just an easy 10k”, but for me It was the longest Ive ever ran and I barely trained for it. My goal was to just do the best my body can afford and finish. This day, I was proud of myself.

Goes on vacay just to feed the kitties

A little solo adventure. A few months ago I decided to take a small trip to Newfoundland— my first solo one!! Exciting but scary. I guess everything you’ve never done before seems a little scary and intimidating, which was why I wanted to do it in the first place. Getting out of my comfort zone, trying new things, making my own decisions and driving long distances with my own thoughts. 10/10 would recommend 😌

Moments and memories from a few months ago. Once again I’m playing a little game of catch up. Each photo has a little story behind it—whether it’s a new beginning of something, a celebration, or a new experience/opportunity. Its fun to look back at photos and be reminded instantly of what happened that day.

Sometimes, I forget to be grateful. Im so busy being busy—always striving for what’s next, stressed about life ahead, and forgetting to take a step back to recognize my accomplishments. I forget to celebrate the small wins. McDonald’s was my first real job, I remember being so eager to apply as soon as I turned the legal age. 14 years later I got to work for them again, but not taking orders or making fries this time haha. Anyways, I am grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way. Thanks @mcdonaldscanada ❤️ 🍟 🍔

June dump

May dump