A Look Back at 31
Woot woot, my birthday is almost here!
For many years, in anticipation for my upcoming birthday, I have reflected on the prior year. It’s almost like a thank you for the memories I made in one year of my life, as I step into another. My 31st year was very fulfilling and before I turn 32, I want to look back on it!
Celebrated my 31st birthday in austin
To ring in my 31st birthday, Andrew and I spent a few days in Austin. Neither one of us had been before, and it’s always great to experience a new place with your favorite person. On my actual birthday, we played mini golf and went to a really cool speakeasy.
Visited the Zoo Many Times
One of my absolute favorite things about living in San Diego was visiting the San Diego Zoo. I had an annual membership and spent many mornings and afternoons wandering around the vast park enjoying the animals. My favorite animals to see each time I went were the flamingos, tigers, elephants, pandas, gorillas, and peccaries.
I actually filmed a video of a morning at the zoo last summer!
Took Numerous Weekend Trips
In the past 12 months, we took many, many weekend trips. I went up to LA a few times, once for a bridal shower, and again to hike the Old Zoo Trail and eat at Something About Her. We also went up to Laguna Beach, Encinitas, Del Mar, and Huntington Beach. I also spent a really cozy weekend at the start of the year on Whidbey Island with my family.
Moved Back to Washington
This was probably the biggest change in the last year. After four and a half years of living in San Diego, we decided it was time to move back to Washington. We were ready to be closer to our friends and family.
We stretched our drive over multiple days to make the trip a little more manageable. From personal experience, an 8+ hour day of driving is rough. Instead, we took shorter drives over more days and were able to enjoy it a little more. We visited friends near Pismo Beach, took Buster to Redwood National Park, saw a giant Paul Bunyan statue, and enjoyed one of our favorite parks in Eugene.
Traveled to Phoenix
My cousin got married in December and I really enjoyed flying down to celebrate the nuptials in Phoenix. It was a great opportunity to see family I don’t always get to see and escape to sunnier weather. Plus, I love weddings!
Flew Back to Disneyland
Even though we moved back to Washington, we started 2026 by flying back down to Anaheim for a little Disneyland trip. Andrew and I had not been to Disneyland together for a couple of years - the past two years I only took solo trips or went with my parents. So I was very happy to go back together!
And of course, I filmed our Disneyland getaway!
Ran Three 5ks and Another Half Marathon
In the past 12 months, I completed three 5ks and another half marathon! I hadn’t realized until writing this blog post how many races I actually participated in. As I step into this next year of my life, I hope to continue running, training, and appreciating my body and its ability to move me.
31 brought a lot of other great highlights:
Finished multiple puzzles
Went to many sports game - San Diego Wave, San Diego Padres, Seattle Kraken
Took Buster to the dog beach a lot
Saw the Jonas Brothers again with my mom
Soaked up soooooo much of San Diego
Attended multiple No Kings protests
Went back to Austin for a friend’s wedding
I am, again, grateful for the opportunity to reminisce on the past year of my life and step into another one. Cheers to a healthy and happy birthday to me!