operation: travel

"out of all of my children, you are the most adventurous" - daddy


The world is my oyster. My belief in this expression is full scale. This is when I'm most happy, at peace, and content with life. Because it doesn't get any better than that moment. I can't imagine my life without it.

I can't pinpoint the exact age where I craved seeingthe world, but I know it's in my blood. For as long as I can remember my mom was always on the go, all over the U.S., Hawaii (a few times), and all over the Caribbean, and still is.

As a kid, we were always up and down I-95 to Philadelphia (where she's from) several times a year. Maybe this is where my love affair for travel began.

Around my 26th birthday, I made a promise to myself to always take a birthday trip anywhere I wanted to go, make it special for ME - and prior to this I vowed to never work on my birthday. It's completely my one day for myself. Since that time, I've kept my promise. I would only wish I had started sooner.

My 30th birthday is in 4 days. Just 4 days away from a major birthday milestone. 16. 18. 21. 25. And now 30. As much as I say I'm trying to stay in my twenties, I'm excited for what my 30s will bring. The new places I'll see. The old places I'll revisit. My vacation bucket list is quite adventurous and intimidating to some, but I'm ready.

First stop...underway

operation: heartbreak

Successful indeed. I'm sure when I woke up this morning I complained about it being so early, needing ‎more sleep, and anticipating the weekend already, blah, blah, blah…typical Monday blues.‎

Then just on the other side of the city as I made my commute into work, there was a report of a ‎shooting at the Navy Yard. Unfortunately, as I write this at least 6 (unofficial) civilians have been killed, ‎according to reports. Assuming, just regular people going to work, to get a paycheck to eat, have a ‎roof over their head, clothes on the backs, and provide for their families. To survive. How ironic that ‎this would be the last morning they would get to do this. To survive.‎

Hearing and seeing the words "possible suspects at large", just feels so reminiscent of the Boston ‎attack. Almost 6 hours later. A good 2-4 hours remaining in most of our work day and we are face ‎with the words "possible suspects at large". How do we just walk outside and make our way home?‎

My heart, thoughts, and prayers goes out to those families and friends who innocently lost loved ‎ones. ‎

Operation: heartbreak successful indeed.‎

Update: in the time it took me to gather my thoughts and put them on paper, the death toll has risen ‎to 9 (including the shooter). Lord help us.‎

operation: 30 while 30

Working on my 30 before/during 30 list has got me to thinking that I have a lot that I want to ‎accomplish between now and next September, but I am definitely up for the task. Crossing over the ‎threshold into my thirties won't seem too bad if I have some fun plans to look forward to. ‎

Even if I don't get a chance to complete every item on my list, just feels good to look back and see how ‎much my interest in things have changed from 21 to 25 to now. As I'm typing this I just thought of ‎idea! Create a list every year of things I will aim to do. Next year, will be a 31 while 31 list. Genius! ‎Although I'm not sure how 60 while 60 will pan out, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.‎

A few items from my 30 before/during 30 list:‎

‎1. Travel to Europe (this will be crossed off in 16 days!)‎
‎2. horseback riding
‎3. triathlon or 5K
‎4. visit Niagara falls

‎8. attend a Laker game (in LA)‎
‎9. stay at a hostel
‎10. write a letter to my future husband
‎11. try 30 new recipes ‎
‎12. weekend train ride ‎
‎13. create a DC photobook

‎22. tap dancing lessons (don't laugh)‎

Operation: 30 while 30 on deck!‎

operation: creativity‎ (part ii)

One of my favorites hats to wear is my creative one. I am completely obsessed with DIY projects, ‎ideas, crafts. The internet is my BFF. ‎

My little munchkin turned 1 this weekend and had a Mickey Mouse clubhouse themed party. So my ‎thinking cap turned on and I decided to DIY a simple t-shirt for her mom. The shirt got many ‎compliments and people thought it was purchased from the store! Just wish I had taken a pic of the ‎full view.‎

Operation: creativity a success!‎

operation: creativity (part i)

A lil' Instagram inspiration

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operation:

operation: healthy

operation: financial freedom

operation: self-acceptance

operation: happiness

I am starting this blog a few weeks shy of my 30th birthday. I've hit another big birthday milestone, while a bit surreal that 30 is actually here, the feelings of thankfulness supersede the surreal.

Heavily inspired by one of my favorite movies "The Pursuit of Happyness". If you have been in hiding and are unaware of this movie (google it), it is based on a memoir of Chris Gardner, and his struggles with life. Sure he dealt with different issues such as homelessness, but the point is we ALL deal with struggles in life and any of us could be a pink slip away from stepping into those shoes. The key is how to we face these struggles head on to come out stronger and better people. No matter what, if you are living and breathing, then there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

operation: happy in full effect!