Where Did September Go?

Seriously, the month of September flew by! I can't believe it. I think the combination of being in California where summer is still raging on and having a schedule that keeps me running makes it feel like time has been put on pause. Here's just a short update before I delve back into writing.

September was such a good month! The highlight was going away with my sister, Marissa, to Cancun. She collaborated with Priceline for their #roomwithaview Instagram campaign and was able to bring one person with her on the trip. Guess who was that lucky one? Me. My wanderlust self was thrilled! It was such a relaxing few days by the pool on the beach. I'll write about that soon and share pictures.

As you might know, I was originally only supposed to be in California until the beginning of September. When I moved out here, it was for a temporary volunteer position with A21. I didn't really know what was next so when they asked me to stay on longer with them, I gave it a little thought and a lotta prayer and decided to stay. I am volunteering with them part-time and have started working a job as well.

I've learned so much and it's proven to be an opportunity that has impacted my life in so many ways. Working in their Communications department, I've honed my skills and interests in my field, adding to my professional development. But more than anything, there's been so many challenging moments of transition over the last few months. They have been equally frustrating as well as rewarding. I think the experience of moving across the country and having to create a life somewhere new has stretched me in ways I wasn't expecting. While I went to college far from home, that is a whole different ballgame than a post-college move.

I've had my fair share of moments spent crying in my car because I got lost for what seems like the millionth time, resulting in trips to Target just because it's the one place I know how to navigate around. Or moments of excitement when I've met knew faces that have now turned into warm friendships.

Regardless, I am so happy God provided me this opportunity to be a freedom fighter and world changer for a cause I am so passionate about. I will truly never forget this past summer and the imprint it has left in my journey.

I'll be posting soon about the many exciting adventures in September!

Orange County Fair

When I was little, I used to hate anything that had to do with large crowds. Malls. Festivals. Parades. Count me out, I didn't want to go. The homebody in me was convinced I would get lost and never find my parents and never go home again.

Since then, I have thankfully outgrown that and going to theme parks and fairs are fun to me. I'm still warming up to fast rides and roller coasters... my idea of a great ride is like the teacups at Disney or a carousal.

Don't make fun of me.

As part of volunteering with A21, I had to run the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force booth at the OC Fair along with the other volunteers. We got a ticket to the fair for the day and after our shift we got to hang around! So fun. I got to try some news things like chocolate covered bacon (surprisingly, yum) and deep fried oreos (just as expected, yuck). Outside the crepe stand I found an Eiffel Tower. You know I'm going to find something French no matter where I go! Even though we didn't do any of the rides, walking around is such a great time.

Decision made: fairs make for great people watching.

A Day in Baltimore

Back in the spring (hence the long hair), I had a fleeting few days off work and decided to venture on my first solo road trip to visit a friend. She lives right outside Annapolis & Baltimore so it was perfect for my wanderlust self.

Side note: I think many Americans think international travel is the only way to get an amazing vacation and "really travel." While it's cool and exciting to get another stamp on the passport, I think we don't realize what is sitting right in our backyards. There are so many cities rich in history and unique spots only short road trips and weekends away.

Anyways.

In Baltimore, we started our rainy day adventures at one of my favorites, Shake Shack. YUM. I have a theory that anytime you eat burgers and fries, the calories don't count. Especially Shake Shack. And cupcakes.

Right across the street was the harbor so we spontaneously purchased tickets to tour four famous historic ships. One was a submarine. That was the first I'd been on and seriously hope it is the last. Talk about claustrophobic ... I can't imagine being underwater for months in something like that. I applaud whoever has. Another one was actually the last surviving ship from Pearl Harbor. I'm such a history geek and like to read every single little plaque describing every little detail so I could go on and on. If you aren't like that, you would hate traveling with me.

After that we just walked around some of the shops in the harbor. They are all in restored old brick building so the character in some of these places was definitely worth seeing. All in all, I would visit Baltimore again!

Art & Space

Rooms are what we make them. At some point, they all start out as a white canvas waiting to be filled with the life of color and fabrics and elements. I think there is power in art to transform an otherwise simple space to something grand. It adds so much refinement and a cultured flair.

Being an artist, I love walking into homes that have amazing artwork. As if the design in every room revolves around the piece of art hanging on the wall. Rather than a painting be fit into the room just because it kind of goes. I find such inspiration to paint or create when I see amazing art find a home and go in a space so well. 

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Sunsets at the Montage

One of my favorite things to do is walking on the beach at sunset. I don't think there is anything more beautiful that the sun setting over the ocean. I've never lived in a state that is landlocked and hope I never do... I can't imagine living far away from the beachy sands and salt water.

My first sunset (besides the one I saw over the mountains when I first drove into Cali) was at Laguna Beach. I just enjoyed a delicious and pricey plate at The Loft at the Montage. If you want a pretty place to just walk and see sunset, skip the dinner and park at the hotel. It's a gorgeous walk through the grounds overlooking the beach and the one. This is one of my favorites yet!

Working with A21

Before I started working with A21, I wasn't exactly sure what I was going to be doing for the organization. Whether I would be licking envelopes or working alongside survivors of human trafficking, it honestly didn't really matter to me. I was excited to do something for the cause - whatever that meant.

Turns out, the California office is their main hub for all communications and administration. And I'm not buying post-its and taking coffee orders (at least, not on the daily), This PR girl got placed in the Communications Department on none other than the Social Media team!!

It's been an amazing experience being able to use my skill set for a cause I am passionate about. It has also been a challenge working on a team with other people but a good one. I couldn't be happier investing my time doing something in my field and learning so many news things about it at the same time. 

Volunteering your time for a cause is so different than working for a paycheck. Some days it is easy to lose sight of the big picture behind the work and emails, but whenever we get news of a rescue, it reminds me that even the seemingly insignificant of tasks is lending a hand towards saving lives. 

I think every experience will grow and stretch you in new ways. But I think I underestimated how much I would learn about myself... not only working with A21 but moving to a new place in general.

I've never gotten lost as many times as I have here. Mostly because I want to think I know where I'm going... but I don't. I think this is the first week where I haven't gone the wrong way once and I can't even begin to express how happy that makes me. 

I know what it's like to have nights and weekends free again! WOOT WOOT! No more working crazy hours. I suddenly have free time and as crazy as it sounds, I've had to adjust to letting myself relax.

By now the newness of everything has worn off and a part of me misses familiarity of family and close friends. But it somehow challenges me to cling and cherish those close to me and seek out new friendships in this season.

Before I left CT, a family friend told me (if I came back) I wouldn't come back the same. In so many ways that is true. One of my favorite quotes, "A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions." And I think this is another experience in my life that fully embodies that quote. It's been a transition no doubt but I am so thankful for the opportunity to be giving my time to a worthy cause that I am passionate about while exploring a new place and growing so much myself.

Cali, we're here!

5 days. 49 driving hours. 3,103 miles. 12 states. 0 tolls. 2 girls. 1 one car. And another check off the bucket list. 

We finally made it! Let's talk first impressions.

First, it was like entering another country. Literally. We had to wait in line to cross the border for car inspections. They asked a series of questions, told us not to throw our Connecticut apples on the desert, and to enjoy Cali.

Second, it was really, really sunny. And that's coming from the girl who lived in the Sunshine State for four years... but it's a whole other level of bright. Out of all the welcome state signs to not get a picture of, it was California. We sort of did but it didn't really work out. See below...

Third, the sunset was incredible. We were driving west as the sun went down, which was probably what made it so blinding, so we were welcomed by the most gorgeous sunset. It's been the first of many. 

Fourth, we were not in Connecticut anymore. As in, we-were-so-excited-to-finally-arrive-but-still-had-3-hours-and-27-minutes-to-drive-to-our-actual-destination. In CT, you can drive for an hour in any direction and be in another state. So. 

Fifth, people are crazy drivers here. After driving for 5 days and through 12 different states, I feel like I can judge the level of craziness pretty well. Seriously, buckle up. 

Sixth. From one coast to the other, WE MADE IT! I can't even describe the exhilarating feeling of finally reaching California but even more than that, it was exciting driving into such unknown. Not really knowing who I'd meet or what experiences lay ahead or places to be discovered. 

Even though I've always wanted to do a cross country road trip, it's something I thought I'd never do. When I was 12 years old, I started to collect magazine clippings of places to visit across the country for my "road trip binder" in hopes of going someday. While I wish we had more time to stop and go some more of those places I've always dreamed of visiting, I am so happy we did it and made countless memories together. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. But for now, it's time for a golden state of mind.