I took this photo on my go pro a few months after I moved to Washington State. I was trying to find new places to explore. This is one of the rare cases where a photo does more justice for a place than I remember.
Category: Luna
Hello, September!
So far, there’s a lot to love about September. The month began with a pep in my step feeling hopeful and excited about life and the possibilities for unexpected magic and adventure. With a camping trip to Rincon Beach in Ventura coming up, it’s easy for me to focus on what’s ahead and use the future to propel me forward. And yet, I am working on appreciating the day while I’m in fully in it. All twenty-four hours of taking the day as it comes.
While I walk, I call close friends and family to catch-up or vent about current struggles and frustrations. Immediately I feel better once I’ve expressed a bit of the heaviness that lies on top of my chest. Talking feels like a re-set and chance to try again at mastering my reactivity to life.
Each day, I to try face fear head-on and give myself grace when I avoid putting myself out there. I try to do something kind like mailing a book to an old friend or texting a college teammate/roommate whose pregnant and alone because her husband is in the (NBA) Bubble to catch up. I splurge on craft beer on Tuesdays because there’s comfort in routine, especially in a pandemic. I seek a culture that inspires me to accept the moment and dream big.
I am currently reading and almost finished with the Alchemist. The last time I read this book I was in the thick of my Saturn Return and dreaming about finding a job and moving to Washington. Four years later, I’m in Washington, and ready hit re-sit on my career. I know it’s time to keep pushing myself to go after things that feel exciting and aligned with my Personal Legend. Why not keep pushing for excellence and focus on attaining a career that could change and fulfills my life purpose.
This is the fourth week that I have managed to sit down with my laptop and crank out something creative for this blog. Each week, I feel excited to pick something new to write about and to see what my fingers type. I am currently working on passing a Beer Serving Certificate. In all honesty, I did not pass on my first attempt today. That’s okay. I’ll study more and get in next week.
Hopefully, by next Tuesday, I’ll have a certificate to share and a new minimal modern updated resume. I’m also working on dropping a few lbs to fit into a pair Topo Design shorts and work pants I bought on sale that are none refundable.
Here are a few of my favorite pictures and things that happened from September 1-8:
- On a particularly rough day after getting off of the phone with a friend, I found two free rubber plants on while ona a walk with Luna (my dog). 10/1/ moment!
- Rented a Gig car and took Lu to our favorite dog park to have a swim on a hot end of summer day.
- Found a cute grafittie that reminded me of Basquiat.
- Realized my Bird of Paradise is thriving and I am a solid plant mom.
- Gorgeous summer “urban hike” sunset walks around the city with Lu.
- A visit to Mount Rainier National Park!
- I finally got the righ low light, candle and plant combo that gives my place a cozy feel.







Happy International Dog Day!
Happy International Dog Day!!!! Especially, to those lucky pitty owners who jump through a few extra hoops to take care of a “banned breed” pup. If you know, you know. Here’s a list, in no particular order, of my favorite things about having and taking care of a 70-pound 4-legged bestie for the past six years:
– An adventure buddy to join you on road trips, hikes, and late-night runs in the city.
– Cuddles, snuggles, and da love when you get home.
– Walks on walks on walks on walks.
– Introducing me to new people at breweries.
– Being able to put her in a sweater when it’s cold.
– Waking up a few times a night to let her back under the covers.
– Watching her tongue wag on hot days.
– Figuring out ways to get her to drink water on hot days.
I love Luna. She is my family. My daughter. She keeps me safe. Thank you Luna, girl.
❤
Alert: It’s raining ☔️.
Luna and I had ourselves a very lazy Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Besides spending it with our Caucasian family in Monroe, I managed to make it downstairs to workout, indulged in an excessive amount of causation television (Gilmore Girls, Super Girl & Masters of Sex), and ate ramen and Mac n cheese all weekend. Also, I did manage to watch Insecure- this latest episode deserves a separate post (Damn, Issa!), in addition to Shameless (Damn, Svetlana is breaking rank).
I FaceTimed with Lex on Sunday, she’s wrapping up her last season playing professional volleyball in Turkey. She told me all about her hot air balloon excursion; how she was able smell the gas and see clouds of smoke covering Aleppo *sigh….. we also talked about a girl I was seeing- how we met and hit it off; how she invited me to her friend’s Halloween party, introduced me to her friends; how we made out and held hands on the roof of her friend’s bougie apartment in downtown Seattle, and how she stayed over at my place and I stayed over at hers. We even went on a wine tour in woodinville, and grabbed lunch afterwards where we discovered a new IPA we both dug…..
(I’ll write another post about said girl once I completely process and wrap my head around it. Also, I’m blushing because my abuela and mom subscribe to this blog, they’re going to read about my hoochie lifestyle).
Sincerely,
J.C.
CA ☀️ -> WA 🌲
Saturday: Ventura to Redding, CA (549 miles and 8 h)
Sunday: Redding, CA to Beaverton, Monroe, WA (600 miles and 11hours)
Boom baby!