The Joys of Newlywed Life

We started our married life 3 months before the wedding.

To talk about the conclusion (결) of the story, it's incredibly fun. It's so much fun that I feel sorry for those who miss out on this joy. I even wondered if the reason people who get married and then divorced try to get married again is because of this fun. It's fun. I've experienced so much fun in this world, but this is a whole new kind of fun.

Before meeting Isaac, my greatest joy was achievement. The fun of leaving a record-breaking 'number' on social media, the fun of giving a lecture at a signature location, the fun of landing new projects, etc... I lived a truly happy life, feeling the thrill of those dopamine-bursting moments. The joy of traveling was also immense. I greatly enjoyed exploring the world, immersing myself in new environments, new languages, and exotic landscapes.

The joy of newlywed life lies in...small daily things. We start the day together with our morning routine: stretching, reading, and drinking water. After a bit of work, we start cooking together. Isaac and I each prepare a dish, and we eat lunch on our balcony, gazing at the ocean. We enjoy the sweet, fresh air in the perfect Californian weather, savoring the dishes we made with such care. After a delicious lunch, we put on sunscreen and take a 40-minute to 1-hour walk around our neighborhood. Rancho Palos Verdes, where we live, is known worldwide for its beauty. Every day is breathtakingly beautiful. This beauty makes city buildings seem insignificant. I recently went on a business trip to DC, and while it's certainly a beautiful city, I kept thinking about home. The beauty of nature is unparalleled. I realized that nothing artificial can match nature. And I, who had only lived in cities, became incredibly envious of people who have lived surrounded by nature. Anyway, after a one-hour walk in this beautiful neighborhood, we return home and go back to our individual tasks.

We also each make one dish for dinner. My YouTube algorithm, which used to be filled with topics like 'growth' and 'success,' is now starting to be dominated by 'cooking.' I try a new recipe every day, referring to YouTube. Radishes in brine (오이소박이), rolled omelet (계란말이), kimchi stew (김치찌개), how to perfectly grill pork belly (삼겹살 맛있게 굽기), etc. Starting to cook, I realized that I will love cooking very much in the future. Homemade meals are so delicious. I feel a sense of accomplishment and happiness.

Before bed, we have a rule: absolutely no phones in the bedroom! We leave our phones outside and come into the bedroom, sharing three things we were grateful for that day. Then, we fall asleep without a worry in the world.

This is the joy of being newlyweds. The beauty of simple everyday life.

I thank God. I am thankful for meeting a gentle, warm, and kind husband. I am grateful for being allowed to live in a place that feels like heaven, if heaven were a place. And I am thankful that there's a good church near our house. I started attending a church 5 minutes from our home, and it's exactly my style. The worship music is great, and it's a one-hour service packed with deep meaning without any unnecessary elements. The church is close to home, and the community is very active. I am so grateful for everything.

The end of today's newlywed diary.