Life Lessons At Thirty-Two
Thirty-two was my favorite year yet. I was bolder, brighter, and more a citizen of the world. I moved from one metropolis to a sunnier one. The biggest difference about thirty-two was that I was more myself than I’d ever been before. Hopefully, that tradition carries on and I continue to learn and grow with each passing year. Perhaps my metamorphosis was because I was on the other side of the country from most of my friends and had more free time. Or maybe I was inspired by the California vibe. The way I see it, at thirty-two, aside from my zip code there were two major changes in my…
Adventures in La La Land: A Love Letter to Los Angeles
I’ve never written about Los Angeles and that’s always surprised me. Growing up, I felt drawn to L.A., like a sunflower to the sun, despite never visiting. Maybe it was the idea of Hollywood and my passion for films that fueled my fascination with the Southern California city. It makes sense. Last year I loved La La Land. I mean I La La Loved it. The first time I saw it in theatres I cried the entire subway ride home. The next day, my girlfriend, Rachelle, who’s also a shameless nerd, and I had an hour-long conversation about La La Land. The film isn’t just a love story between two…
The Hostel Life: The Good, The Bad, & The Smelly
Growing up I always imagined having that grand European adventure where my only belongings were stuffed in a backpack and I’d find lodgings in local hostels along the way. But in between those daydreams life happened and my adventure never did. Then at thirty, my opportunity for a European adventure finally arose. And for a few nights in the Netherlands, I got my hostel life experience. Backpacking through Europe and staying at hostels felt like a rite of passage. It’s just one of those things you do when you’re young and hungry to see the world. While thirty might not be the age of a spring chick, I say to…
30 Things I’ve Started Doing Differently in My 30s
Face it, we’re not kids anymore and we no longer hold the pass of living in our self-absorbed 20s. Our 30s are about learning to be our best self and how to contribute our unique abilities toward a better world. I’m now 6 months into my 30s and in this short time, I’ve already seen major changes in my approach to life.
An Italian Romance
Ten years from now, when I reminisce on my time spent in Florence, Italy, I think I’ll remember it as the most romantic day of my life. A million more romantic occurrences could happen between now and then, but there’s something about Florence – the unwavering beauty of the city – that romanticizes the memory with heavier emphasis. Granted the time I spent in Florence truly was romantic; I was there celebrating my boyfriend, Timo’s, thirtieth birthday. Even being a month removed from it, every time I think back or see a picture I’m overwhelmed by the magical feeling that can only be described as romance, my Italian Romance. The…
Discovering Seattle
On the eve of my next adventure, I thought it was time I finally put into writing what my recent trip to Seattle meant to me. Thirty is a BIG birthday. It’s a milestone. So, for my thirtieth birthday I decided to take a trip somewhere to celebrate. The fact that at thirty I’m fiscally able to a book plane ticket to anywhere is reason enough to celebrate. I’ve worked hard to get where I am. I’ve worked hard for my travels. Hard work should never go uncelebrated. In my opinion, birthdays should never go uncelebrated either. When deciding where to visit, I looked at a few different places: San…
