No Work Times
So…I’ve been working on a personal project of mine since the beginning of this year. It came to fruition when I first got laid off due to the economy in February from my PR agency. At the time, I knew I wasn’t the only one suffering a job loss and there were thousands of people going through the same thing everyday. A lightbulb went off in my head and I decided to start a website dedicated to helping people who have been affected by the economy. I wanted to write about tips and inspirational strategies that help others stay motivated and optimistic. Losing your job can be a loss of identity sometimes and it hits home hard: literally and emotionally. We have to keep our heads up and keep seeking out bigger and better opportunities. If we have to settle temporarily to get by and get bills paid, that’s ok. Eventually, the right time and opportunity will come that will leave us in better shape. Check it out: feel free to add suggestions, comments or requests.
It's Our Anniversary
Today marks one year for Jon and I. Hard to believe it’s already been 12 months in our story. We’ve been through great and tough times: explored ancient Incan cities, rode across the great state of Texas, conquered rain and freezing cold at the CMRA races, celebrated many friends’ weddings, escaped the pandemic swine flu in Mexico, killed thousands of zombies and boomers, and managed to keep afloat of the economic downturn. Celebrating one year may be miniscule for some, but it’s a major milestone for me. This signifies the longest relationship I’ve been in and is a testament to growing up. I think we’ve taught each other some patience, tolerance and different values, and have become better people along the way. Hopefully, we’ll only continue to grow and complement each others’ lives. It definitely has been one, unforgettable year!
Lost Treasure
My parents finally organized the clutter in their garage and while rummaging through it I found some long forgotten gems. I came across old screen prints I saved from college and photo albums I’ve been searching for. I even found my old college textbooks and backpack full of notes. I discovered a Holga camera I never used and confiscated some amusing 35mm pictures for scanning and uploading to my Flickr. (those to come soon) It’s nice to find things forgotten that remind you of your youthful past. I wonder what else I’ve forgotten is out there…
Super Mario Brothers by The Minibosses
I used to play this game everyday back in high school.
Me, Myself & Fly
Within the last 24 hours, I’ve had two different people in two different states tell me how rare it is to meet someone like me who travels alone.
Is it really that strange of a phenomenon? I find it interesting that others are intrigued by this while it comes to me naturally. I can recall traveling by myself to several places: Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Puerto Vallarta and most recently, Cabos San Lucas. I didn’t have as much fun in Cabo compared to the others but I was glad to have met some friendly strangers in my last hours there.
That’s the beauty of traveling solo. I’ve experienced more circumstantial challenges and chances of valuable human connections. You have the freedom to do whatever and whenever you want. If you have something planned and change your mind later, you don’t have to worry about a second opinion. You get a chance to explore the world in peace and independence.
I don’t always feel the desire to travel by myself. I love sharing new countries and cultures with my family or boyfriend, and there are plenty of memories I’ve taken away from previous trips. I’ve learned that some places are not meant to be experienced alone, especially the romantic ones full of honeymooners. Even still, I seek out culture and adventure while I’m there.
I love having one-on-one encounters with locals or other foreigners. I don’t care about bars or clubs so when I meet people at the airport or on adventure tours it makes for more interesting interactions. I especially appreciate and remember the times where strangers go out of their way to help you and make you feel comfortable. I think this is more rare of a situation than traveling alone, and I feel lucky that it’s happened to me on several occasions.
