Sweet Summer Travels

This week I’m writing to you from Atlanta, Georgia. I’m taking a short summer trip to visit some of my dear friends, spend some time relaxing, and attend a production of Camelot that my friend and her daughter are performing in! This particular friend is better described as my bestie and chosen/found family. Leading up to this mini vacation, my bestie and I were reminiscing about “our nomadic summer.” Allow me to explain…

Back in 2004, we met as freshmen in college and became instant friends. We would often spend large chunks of our summer breaks together. There was one year in particular that we took turns staying over at our family’s homes for weeks at a time. We would ask delightedly (and in British-ish accents) if we could “stay for a fortnight?” To this day that summer remains as one of our most memorable ones from the early years of our friendship. 🧳😎

Now in 2025, we have to balance fun with work. (Oh, responsible adulting! Haha!) Nevertheless, this week has been a welcomed respite for me. I made the decision to have an intentionally lighter week of work, so that I could give myself permission to stay up late, sleep in, and allow the day to unfold organically. I’m fully embracing the “Lady of leisure” vibe for the week! So far, I’ve taken lots of strolls around the neighborhood with my and my bestie’s dog, Finley and Bug, respectively. (Sidenote: Oh my goodness, it’s ever so hot in Georgia!)

Bug and Finley

In this photo Bug is asking with his eyes to “please sit in [my] lap,” while Finley languishes on the kitchen floor. Like me, she is not a fan of the Georgia heat.

When my bestie and her spouse—who is another of my longtime friends—aren’t working, we’ve been enjoying long chats, watching fantasy/sci-fi films, and cooling ourselves down with some shaved ice cones. Their kids are also out of school for the summer, and I’ve been enjoying spending quality time with them. I’ve literally known my “nephew” and “niece” since the moment they were each born, and this year they are 15 and 12 years old. It’s always so fun to hang out with them, as they regale me with current happenings in their lives and also attempt to teach me new Gen Z/Gen Alpha slang. My favorite phrase that I’ve adopted is, “Wow, they’re so buttery!”

I’m incredibly grateful for this bit of travel, even if it’s not very far from home. It has been such a sweet time of connecting with loved ones and making more summertime memories. I hope that wherever you find yourself reading this blog that there is sunshine and good company surrounding you!