We spent an unforgettable weekend in Big Bear, California enjoying the snow in the mountains. A detailed post will follow shortly (most likely tomorrow) but I wanted to give you a glimpse of Big Bear and the stunning drive home. It’s it dreamy?
She wants out of her huge mortgage and massive house that she hates cleaning herself, her car payments, her meaningless job, and her splurge spending habits used to find a happiness that can’t be bought. She has two kids, a ten year old that she never sees and a toddler that she puts in daycare all day so she can work at a job that she despises. Is this you? Is this similar to your life? I spoke to a lady two days ago at Renaissance Club Sport in Aliso Viejo, California and she’s done with her trapped life. She wants out. We’ve all been there at some point, but not many of us do something about it and when we do, we’re resented for it. If you’re not living the life you’ve always wanted, there is more out there and you can have it.
I’m an adrenaline junkie. My idea of the perfect day would be skydiving before breakfast, rappelling down a waterfall to get to whitewater rafting, lunch on the river, flyboarding and scuba diving, dinner at the beach, and a sunset, aerobatics biplane flight over the ocean. I don’t know if all of that is possible during one day, but now that I’m thinking about it, maybe I’ll add it to next year’s list. So why was southern Africa so high on this year’s list? Do you see it as an adrenaline rush? While jumping out of a plane or rafting down a river is extreme and it gets my blood pumping during the adventure, it would take all of those activities combined in one day to equate to the adrenaline felt during a Namibian safari. If you want a real adrenaline rush, watch Africa animal attacks on tv or YouTube before going to Namibia. Your hair will be standing up the entire trip. It’s the wild, after all, and anything can happen. I went on a self-driven safari in Etosha National Park, Namibia. From the time I entered the park until the time I was well into deep sleep that night, my adrenaline was pumping. It’s the ultimate, adrenaline adventure. Continue reading
Every view in every direction was stunning. From lush mountain ranges to turquoise waters, the US Virgin Islands are picture perfect. Each of the three major islands has a unique character all its own. Fortunately, I was able to explore both St. Thomas and St. John during my 5 day vacation. I’ll have to make another trip back to experience St. Croix but the vistas on St. Thomas and St. John left me awe-struck and wanting more. Here are my favorite USVI views. Continue reading
I usually write about the positives in my life. I’m blessed with a healthy family and a beautiful home. I have a dream job with regular travel and extreme adventures. Sure I have good and bad days, but with all of that happiness, I don’t usually have time to focus on the negatives. Something happened at Zozo’s restaurant in St. John, USVI, though, that had such a deep impact on me, I have to share. Continue reading
I can’t breathe. I can’t get my breath. There’s too much air; it’s choking me. I can’t get back to the surface. What do I do? The weights are too heavy. I’m going to drown… I’m sorry, Athena. Mommy can’t come home to you. I’m not going to make it this time. I’ve failed.
Hard Rock Riviera Maya is one big party, especially in the adults only section. This morning, on my way to the pool, I grabbed two Pina Coladas; not to sound like the song, just because I love Pina Coladas and two was all I could carry. And I had a great idea! Continue reading
I love living in Orange County, California. Every day is like being on vacation. The weather is perfect, drinks are cheap, the ocean is only a short drive, or walk, away, and the opportunities for entertainment are bountiful. Sometimes, though, the traffic and trying to find a parking spot can be taxing. With my mother and sister in town, I wanted to show them the natural, peaceful surroundings that southern California has to offer. We packed our bags and headed to Lake Arrowhead Resort for a short, three-day getaway. We arrived to a state of mind; a relaxing calm that rushed over us from the moment we reached the village. Continue reading
Before visiting Latvia, I had little understanding of their turbulent history. I walked the streets when I arrived and found beauty around every corner. The varied architecture, stunning skyline, and mix between modern and old made we want to look deeper into the roots that created such a diverse setting. I asked tour guides and locals about the diversity and visited The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia to walk into Riga’s history and down the streets of the past. Continue reading
If you’re not on the beach right now, it’s time to start saving for a vacation. Here are 20 beach photos to get you in relaxation mode. Do you recognize any of the destinations? How many have you visited?
Bucket List Publications 