This winter break is one of the more uneventful. 2 years ago, when we had 3 weeks off, I went to Tucson, Phoenix, and Sedona. Last year was similar to this one – we went to Las Vegas and San Diego. But after all the craziness thus far, I embraced sleeping 10 hours, staying up late, and sleeping in until 10am or so. To be honest, every year … Continue reading Kicking Off 2019
Last week felt nostalgic to a few years ago, checking out local events and taking walks during the week (this was a 2016 resolution). It was a “cheaper” and easier way to feel like I was getting a staycation and being grateful I live here because people want to live here. OC Brew Ho Ho I got tickets to Brew Ho Ho for us as Christmas … Continue reading Appreciating home
I spied Noon Lodge on the Instagram of California Through My Lens awhile ago and was stuck on the idea. A couple weeks later I booked it and was set for a trip to Big Bear. I’ve only been once a few years ago. Sadly, the pool was closed for the season but they had some lawn games, BBQs, Adirondack chairs spread about, a fireplace, … Continue reading 24 Hours in Big Bear
Meetings, paperwork, meetings, and… teaching. At the beginning of the week, especially Wednesday, I’m a mess. So on Wednesday, I put in a sub request and booked an AirBnb in Lake Arrowhead. …and immediately, I felt free. My mind felt free from my daily “teacher” brain and I dove into my library to find a book (The Secret Life of Bees) and started watching “The Haunting … Continue reading Solo 24 Hours in Lake Arrowhead
It was another doozy of a week. I had a couple of meetings (and more coming up that I plan and lead), covered absent teachers’ classes, and little things here and there. Despite daily naps, I was so exhausted every night, I fell asleep with my phone in my hand. But it was rewarding. The past few weekends was focused on catching up on rest and sleep, and … Continue reading Sunday Bests: Fall-ish
The Big Sur road trip is a bucket list trip for most people and I finally did it… in 3 days, so it was a lot to fit in. We started in Orange County at 5:45am on Friday and it took us 2.5 hours to reach Ventura to pick up our third. From there we stopped in San Luis Obispo’s Madonna Inn. It’s right off … Continue reading Big Sur Camping Trip
Nothing surprising – the weather is still in the 80s here and everywhere else it seems, but we couldn’t help but check off some items on my autumn bucket list this weekend. √ Go apple picking (Oak Glen) We started at Snowline Orchard for mini donuts and wine. They were out of hard cider! They didn’t allow apple picking, but my mom, who came with us, picked some … Continue reading Everything Fall: Apple Picking, Hiking, & Baking
After more than 2 weeks away from journaling, I got back into it with a 4-page entry. I’m a HUGE fan of journaling. It helps me organize my ideas and work through things. I didn’t journal for more than 2 weeks because I was afraid to discover how I truly felt. Takeaway #1: I keep myself busy and I have a lot of fun, but a lot … Continue reading Takeaways from Journaling
No one would ever say I have a “resting bitch face.” I have the opposite of that. I’m the opposite – happy, positive, and friendly. But it’s not what it seems and I too get tired and sad. My life sometimes feels like a romantic movie. Recently, I’ve struggled with some personal, existential stuff. I was trying to distract myself from my problems by supporting … Continue reading Leaning Into Friends (Day Trip to Temecula)
Friday: Orange County, CA We started the trip with a gathering of my friends for my belated 31st birthday in Santa Ana. I love these photos because it showcases adult women loving and supporting each other. It was such a treat to get everyone (including all the husbands, boyfriends and male friends) out. …and I’m still having the time of my life at 31. Saturday: … Continue reading Traveling Together: 5 Day California Road Trip
Julie in the World 