When I turned 25, I was sooooo old. That was before I went to Taiwan. I knew everything by then.
When I turned 26, I went hiking and ate “authentic” Italian food at Pizza Olmo in Sanjhih.
When I turned 27, I was the director of an English camp in Taiwan.
When I turned 28, I was a teacher in Hong Kong. I learned that love can be like a pile of laundry—and that that’s a good thing.
When I turned 29, the pope abdicated his “throne.” I visited friends in San Francisco. I realized I have 365 days to accomplish all of the goals I set out to accomplish before 30. And I remembered:
…
“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” — Anatole France
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Playing the “word game” in Taiwan.
Assessing students’ English ability. Taiwan.
The best group of kids ever. Taiwan.
Field trip in Hong Kong.
Goodbye, Benedict. The world will miss you. What will happen to us both this next year? We shall soon see.
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- on privacy (jesscy.wordpress.com)
- let her (jesscy.com)
- no man is an island (jesscy.com)
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shift 
Act. Dream. Plan. Believe. Four rungs to a ladder in which all steps are organic and necessary, and none can be skipped. You got it covered I’m sure.
I love the pictures of the kiddos; such radiant smiles!
Thanks, Jeff! I’m working on acting on all four. The “planning” part can be tenuous. ;)
And, yes. Kids are the best!
“…I knew everything by then….”
Yup, every year I say this. Then, I take another step and —-
Good one :-)
Lol. Precisely. Glad you caught my drift. :)
say “I’m growing old,” but add, “the Pope will miss me.” changes things, doesn’t it. tony
I’m cocking my head with a quizzical look. I’m not sure I get you, unless you’re comparing *my* age to the pope’s…
dear Jess, you’ve been places, and lived dreams, and more lies ahead … as i see it, we’ve only begun to celebrate your b day – how could the Pope leave now?
Go for it!
Thanks, Marcelino! I’m trying. God bless!
Love the quote and the emphasis on believing. I find that’s something I do a lot yet I still have to remind myself to believe in what I’m doing and “know” that it will come true. -AB
You of all people know what’s inside you, Arash. You are a hero and always have been. Your dreams *will* come true in ways you might never expect… I thought of you when I drove through Berkeley yesterday and today.
Oh was yesterday your birthday? If yes, Belated Birthday wishes. :)
May all you good wishes and dreams come true!
Loved the post, pictures and the quote. :)
Yes, Allwin. My birthday was the 28th. Thank you!
Glad you liked the quote and pictures. I do, too!
Hey Jessica – I enjoyed your blog & love your photos. They capture movement & the human spirit! Very cool…. We must not only act, dream, plan, and believe – but save a little time to retreat and reflect. Reflection brings meaning to it all. Keep up your good work… I look forward to your next blog! xoxoxo Karen Tilstra
Thank you, Karen! So good to hear from you! Yes, trust me, I reflect and retreat a lot. It’s inherent in my naturee—and what spurs a lot of my writing. Thanks for reading! Hope you’re well!
Jessica
You are admired
Bravo!
Thank you! You are too kind.
A great life you are leading, serving others in such a way. Amen.
You are too kind. I *was* getting paid… But I did feel like I was making a difference. :)
nice quote from Anatole france.
Thank you! It’s a great quote. :)
Hi! I accidentally visited ur blog. Now I’m studying abroad in Taiwan. u also visited here wow.
I’m glad you accidentally visited me! It’s fun to be in touch. I miss Taiwan!
Great minds think alike :)
Very good post.
Thanks so much. And thanks for commenting! An angel is very happy now thanks to you!
You are a natural writer with a punchy style and great humor. I don’t want to hit the “like” button.” I want a “love it” button to hit. Also, the pictures are outstanding! Keep it up!
Thank you! Your encouragement and feedback means the world. I’ve been thinking really hard about my “niche”! Having a hard time narrowing it down, but it will come with a little more time. There are definitely themes that run through my work.
Anyway, thanks again. And I’m glad the pictures turned out! Thank goodness for my trusty little Canon!
It looks like resonate with pathos. Your vignettes communicate vividly the human experience. The trick is to make that into a niche. May God guide you because your blog ultimately is for His service.
Yes, yes. A trick indeed. And yes, He is the source of everything good—whoever and however He may be. None of this is my own.
Sometimes when I read your post I just wanna grab my bags and travel the world again… Thanks for sharing :)
You should! And, me too! I’ve been in the States six months now and already it feels too long. Someday I’ll plan a trip and meet my blogger friends all around the world. *That* would be great.
That sounds like a very fun idea :)
i think you need to go back!
Go back to… Taiwan? I wouldn’t mind having a little more time before 30, either…