Muir Woods

Saturday, March 29, 2014 • California, Muir Woods, Nature, Photography, Redwoods Forest, san francisco, Spring, Travel

In February, I got to see patches of the Redwoods Forest. However, this was the first time I had gone to the iconic Muir Woods, just North of San Francisco. This was stop #2 for the first day of my Mother's trip.

I also thought the $7 fee was worth it. It's a beautiful sanctuary of some of the worlds largest trees. It's quiet, serene, and the smell of pine whisks you in for a pleasant walk around the main loop of the park.

Travel tip: Get here before 10am. Trust me or there won't be any parking. There is one small lot that can fit 12-15 cars and their overflow lot can probably fit 50 cars at most. No parking fee either. Also, if you get there in the morning, less people crowding your photos of the gorgeous scenery.

Friday, March 28, 2014 • California, Golden gate bridge, san francisco, sunrise, Travel

I had the joy of having my Mother in California for an entire week. Our first pit stop was the Golden Gate Bridge at sunrise.

You can read about my trip in November HERE.

Travel tip: If you go between 7:30-9:30am, you will have plenty of parking at the Golden Gate Pavillion. Also, don't forget that if you cross the Golden Gate on 101-S you will be billed as the toll stations are electronic now. If you're out of state, you will get this from your DMV in the mail. If you're from California, I recommend signing up for one of three options with FasTrak.

My Momma's first time at the Golden Gate Bridge

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

I celebrated my quarter of the century Birthday this past weekend in beautiful Seattle with two friends I've known the past 14 some years. As I had some time away from work, I just had a gut feeling that 25 is going to be a great age as is 2014 is going to be a fantastic year.

During my flight, I thought of some things I hope to mull over and practice during my 25th year of life:

Seek inspiration.

Continue to know and love Jesus. He has been the biggest revelation of my 20s.

Recognize beauty is everywhere.

Complain less.

Learn, learn, learn.

Be thankful for the people who really know me and the desires of my heart.

Love serving others.

The status quo still sucks, help change it dang it.

Humility - try it.

Own my part in this world.

Remind myself what I do for work is an honor.

Give thanks to those who are kind.

Forgive (So about this one...)

Eliminate my pride. Forget my ego.

Self expression - do it.

Be in good company.

Choose to see greatness in everybody.

Stop engaging in one sided and time wasting relationships, conversations, & projects.

Realize my parents know everything...so call them once in awhile.

Words aren't enough. Put things into motion aka action.

Screw professionalism/politics/formality...be a human being.

Love myself, others, and my Christian faith radically & be joyful in the results.

Be gracious, sharp, and respectful.

Smile....Continuously.

My sweet student staff put this together on my actual birthday xoxo

Then my student staff surprised me with a collage of team photos and all of my favorite things they knew I loved - Jesus, tv shows, music, sports teams, etc. I feel honored to do what I do.

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