Issue 4

JESS & AARON Issue 4 / July 2017

Purpose Hello! The purpose of this magazine is to let you know what we have been up to and to share about how God has been working in our lives.

Enjoy the photos and stories, and we hope to see you soon!

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Contents 1

Her/Him

3

Our Poke and Boba Shop

7

Things I Learned

9

Aaron’s Happenings

11

Jess’ Happenings

13

Hawaii Trip

15

Family and Friends

19

Goals for Next Year

How do you feel being 27/31?

Favorite color Daily outfit

Him

Oh my goodness, I’m almost 30

Old

White Casual dress, green loose cardigan, booties

Blue denim button up, black pants, Hawaii hat

Alessia Cara How Far I’ll Go

Relient K Marigold

Show of the year

Bachelorette

Bizaardvark and Andi Mack

Favorite purchase

MacBook Pro

Snociety

Our Times Cafe

Our Times Cafe

Earth Kitchen Hot Pot

Elements Natural Foods

Marvel movies

YouTube

Sea salt jasmine green tea with boba

Our Times milk tea

Song on repeat

Place to study Favorite restaurant tried Addicted to Favorite drink

1

Her

2

3

Our Poke and Boba Shop This year we made the big decision to own a poke and boba shop in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. It was difficult waiting for a chid to adopt, so we wanted to find something to keep us busy and help us through the waiting period. We prayed, and last August we were given the opportunity to own Snociety. Jess’ parents helped us get the business started by teaching us about restaurant operations and business management.

They even helped out at the shop! We are very grateful for their help and support in this endeavor.

Here are four reasons why we wanted to own Snociety: 1. The opportunity was there.

2. We wanted to keep busy and be productive as we wait for adoption.

3. We always had the desire to own a business. We didn’t think it would be a food and drink place, but it was a good stepping stone for us.

4. A lifestyle change would be beneficial for our family life as we prepare for our children.

We would like to say a special thank you to everyone who has visited us, left us a 5 star Yelp review, Instagrammed our food and shop, and told your family and friends about us. We appreciate all the support!

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Her

Him

Favorite part of owning a restaurant

Being the #girlboss and doing whatever I want

Free food

Least favorite part of owning a restaurant

Paying taxes, fees, bills, and anticipating the health inspector

Being on call and dealing with emergencies

Aloha

Supaishi

Rose lychee green tea with aloe vera

Rose honey milk tea

Everything finance

Running a business with my wife

Favorite poke sauce Favorite drink Most challenging

5

Video by Dragronfruit Media

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Things I learned about Aaron 1. He gets overwhelmed by the amount of stuff I have to do 2. He takes life-long learning seriously 3. He is very good with kids and loves them

Things I learned about Jess 1. She does not get stressed out easily with all the things she has to do 2. She would rather multitask instead of work on one thing at a time 3. She loves to go out to eat

Aaron’s Happenings After four years of marriage, Jess and I are learning how to work together and care for each other in different ways.

Snociety has taught me about the community of Little Tokyo and the city of Los Angeles, I learned about loving different people with many different backgrounds including our employees and customers.

I graduated with my Masters in Health Informatics this year and I am very proud to have a career as an RN Clinical Analyst at Kindred Hospital San Gabriel Valley.

I continue to lead music at church with various age groups, I teach 11th grade Sunday School, and I am now the Social Media Officer at our church.

Highlights since our last newsletter include Snociety, playing and producing music, and blogging consistently.

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Jess’ Happenings This year was filled with many challenges. I quit my job at Liferay to commit full-time to Snociety. The biggest challenge was learning how to operate and manage a restaurant on-site and off-site. Because of Snociety, I have a better understanding of how restaurant owners and employees feel.

After 10 months of owning a shop, I decided to return to Liferay as a part-time graphic designer. I’m excited to go back to designing while managing Snociety on the side.

At the end of last year, I attended my first Adobe Max conference and loved it so much that I’ll be going again this year. Other highlights of this year include getting laser eye surgery, finishing our bookshelf in our guestroom, going on a cruise with our friends, travelling to Hawaii, attending retreats with Aaron, playing with our nephew Paxton, and being the matron of honor at my best friend’s wedding.

A low this year is our family dog Missy’s passing.

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June 16 - June 21, 2017 PLACES VISITED North Shore, Waikiki AARONS’ FAVORITE MEAL Tropical Tribe’s acai bowl JESS’ FAVORITE MEAL HiBlend Health Bar & Cafe’s acai bowl MEMORABLE SITES Mahakea Wedding Estate, Ala Moana, Hanauma Bay, Marukai Market, and Hawaii State Library

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Cruisin’ Crew Ensenada

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Last Year’s Goals (July 2016 - July 2017)

Jess • Keep my plants alive • Finish decorating home • Do something new

Aaron • Live healthier • Stay organized • Do something new

Goals for Next Year Jess • Freelance consistently • Do art for myself • Decorate downstairs bathroom

Aaron • Read more • Be a better teacher • New project with Jess

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CREDITS Lifestyle photos by Alison and Edwin jessandaaron.tumblr.com since July 5, 2013 24