Day Tripper

She Was A Day Tripper

 a Sunday driver, yea

Hello readers! Even before (but definitely more so since) I wrote my last "alter ego" blog, my mind has been racing with ways to break free from my humdrum life as a stay at home mama. Like I've said, my kids are very amazing and I feel pretty lucky they're mine, but any kind of routine lifestyle can make even the most optimistic go mad. 

I am constantly thankful for my geographical location, I mean - Torrance, California is basically "god's country," but I personally get bored very easily. And living in the same 10 mile radius my entire life just fuels the restlessness. And on top of it, the convenience of having our doctors, shopping, coffee, family, etc. within walking distance or a 10 minute drive just enables us to stay. Although it would be exciting to move far or travel out of the country, I will admit that Southern California is quite amazing. We have so much going on in Los Angeles, but when that gets old, a simple day trip will rejuvenate any tired soul. There is so much outside of L.A. that will make you feel like you're nowhere near the city. It really is amazing how diverse the state of California is. You have different cities, desserts, mountains, snow, lakes, beaches.. That's pretty impressive if you'd care for my opinion. 

Even though I will always plan on traveling internationally one day, until then, I have to make do with my current resources. Luckily for me, my very few friends have similar outlooks. 

Just last weekend my friend since childhood (I'm talking we've been friends since 4 years old) called me at 10am asking if I wanted to go up to the Santa Barbara mountains for the day. I left Nico with my mom, thank someone she was available and willing, and Harrison came with us and my friend's daughter. So the 4 of us made the day trip and it was perfect. 

I always like seeing my kids out of their comfort zones and reacting to nature, if you will. We took the hike up to Seven Falls, and realized there wasn't any waterfall because of our state's drought. Way to go, California. The views were so pretty though and it was dead silent up the trails, so it was still really refreshing. 

101 North

Santa Barbara views

City Girls

City Girls pt. 2

On our way down the mountain, we decided to stop by State Street before heading home. It was a Sunday afternoon so all the shops and restaurants were closing early. They're mostly independent businesses, so it's pretty nice not seeing everyday stores that you can spot anywhere else back home.

(The first time I came to Santa Barbara with Rafael, we went to eat Thai food, and I wanted to take a picture in front of it to show him later.)

now I'm craving Thai Iced Tea.

Everyone has different ideas of what it means to be "successful." What satisfies someone might be totally opposite for the next person. Some work for money and nice things, some love offering up their time for charity work, and others wants experiences. My brother told me that when they've studied Lottery winners, the people who blow their money on homes and cars can become depressed, but those who spend their winnings on traveling are the happiest people because they have memories. I'm not saying I've been completely unsatisfied with my choices in life so far, but I am constantly working on being a better version of myself, and that includes gratitude and happiness. I'm sure it would help a ton if I just stepped back and appreciated everyone/everything I do have in my life, and I do, but I also don't want to settle for my current status. Life has too much to offer for me to just sit here and hear about it. I want to live it myself. 

This past Tuesday was Rafael's birthday (the last of his 20's) so we planned a day trip to Big Bear Mountain. He had never been there or had ever seen snow before. The last time I visited Big Bear was exactly 10 years ago this month, when my aunt rented a cabin and we all went up for Christmas. It was a great idea for both of us. We left on Wednesday around 9:00am with both girls and a bunch of snacks. When we got on the 210 fwy, I realized his childhood friend lived in Covina (on the way) and offered to pick him up for our adventure. Rafael called him around 10am and within 15 minutes he was ready and we continued our trip. His friend had never been to Big Bear either, nor touched snow before! It felt good seeing them experience this for the first time. We got there before noon and spent a good amount of the day letting the kids wreak havoc on a playground, hanging out with like, 30 ducks, walking around the small town, going to a music shop and letting the kids play ukuleles, and taking lots of pictures. There were patches of snow here and there, but on our way back down the mountain there was a lot of snow on the sides of the road. We pulled over and parked in one of those "passing lanes." There was so much fresh snow, we got to throw snowballs and make some sorry excuses of snow angels. None of us had gloves on so our city side was definitely showing. I could've sworn I was gonna get frostbite. 

Big Bear Lake

Toto, I don't think we're in Torrance anymore

Fresh, fluffy snow

Harrison's excitement was very fitting for a first-timer

Nico wasn't quite sure what to make of the frozen white stuff.

Even though I'm only writing about two trips we've taken since my last blog, I gotta start somewhere.  If I'm gonna complain about any situation, I most likely have the freedom to do something about it. And if you have any suggestions for my next day trip, road trip, or adventure abroad, I'm open to new ideas. 

Since I'm on the topic of travel, I'll compile a quick list of every place I can remember I've been to..

Brookings, OR

Maryland

Washington DC

New York City, New York

Jacksonville, Florida

New Orleans, LA

Chicago, IL

Las Vegas, NV

Kona, HI

Tijuana, Mexico

Big Sur, CA

Barstow, CA

San Fransisco, CA

Humbolt, CA

San Diego, CA

Palm Springs, CA

Santa Barbara, CA

San Luis Obispo, CA

Places I'd love to visit..

Tokyo, Japan

London, England

Paris, France

Guadalajara, Mexico

Chihuahua, Mexico

any of the Polynesian Islands

Cape Town, South Africa

Iceland

Spain

Milan, Italy

Athens, Greece

Dublin, Ireland

This past June my passport expired and my heart has been broken, kind of. Now, if anyone says, "but you've been to so many places already?" Maybe to some it could be a decent amount, but that's how I know everyone is different. It isn't that I'm unsatisfied, it's that I don't want to settle when I know what makes me happy. And when I know it's out there!

Anyway, it always feels good for me to write about these thoughts and get them off my chest. I hope if you have the urge to travel and are given the chance, you take it and are safe.

Over and Out:

Sixties Pixie