Rainy Days, Shabu-Shabu, and a Little Pocket of Calm

08/05/2025

In real estate, days often fly by at lightning speed. Client meetings, market research, endless contracts, and sudden changes in schedule… sometimes, the day ends before I even realize it—often without having had time for lunch.

So on the rare days when I do have a proper lunch break, the biggest question is deceptively simple yet oddly important: “What should we eat for lunch today?” I’ll ask my colleagues, and without fail, the answer is the same: “Hmm… not sure.”

Georgia Rain and a Familiar Summer

Just last week, Georgia was sweltering in 90+ degree heat. But starting yesterday, a light, steady rain began to fall, bringing the temperature down to around 75°F. It feels like we can all finally take a deep breath.

I’ve lived in Georgia for 30 years now, and while I don’t have the exact stats, it does feel like it’s been raining more often lately. Or maybe it’s just me?

Today’s Lunch: Shabu-Shabu

Rainy weather always makes me crave something warm and comforting. When I casually said, “Should we do shabu-shabu?” Ms. Julia beamed, “Yes, I’d love that!” and Yousun laughed, “I’ve been craving it since yesterday but didn’t say anything.” I’m sure many of you can relate. 😄

We decided on Gom Shabu-Shabu, a place near our office. I believe it was the very first shabu-shabu restaurant I ever visited in the U.S., back when my nephew Jimmy introduced me to it. At first, the idea of having my own personal pot of broth felt unusual, but now it’s one of my favorite meals.

The Little Luxury of Lunch

Fresh vegetables lightly swirled in hot broth, dipped into a tangy sauce… and the sound of six colleagues laughing, chatting, and blowing on steaming bites—it’s amazing how a single lunch can feel like a tiny oasis in the middle of a busy week.

Maybe it’s moments like these that give us the energy to keep going in this fast-paced business.

There’s a saying: “When you’re the one paying, order something expensive. When someone else is paying, pick something modest.” It sounds like a joke, but there’s a quiet generosity and good humor hidden in those words.

Even Real Estate Agents Are Human

We may spend our days surrounded by numbers, contracts, and deadlines, but at the heart of it all, our work is about people—sharing their lives and guiding their journeys. If a home is the backdrop for someone’s happiest moments, then a warm lunch shared with good company is a small but meaningful scene in that bigger picture.

Today’s lunch—along with the conversations, the laughter, and the unhurried pace—was, in its own way, a reminder of why I love what I do.