So I’ve been gone a while. And even when I was present for a bit, I kind of wasn’t, if you know what I mean. The kid in the corner with the vacant look and the wandering soul. That’s been me for a while.
Losing my grandfather was by far the hardest thing I have ever had to go through, but I feel like he would be so cross should he think that we were all moping around, mourning his life and chasing his shadow. So its time to pull my socks up, put clothes on other than pjs or joggers, and remember that there is a big world that hasn’t gone anywhere, and is waiting for me to explore it.
I suddenly realised that I have been hibernating and licking my wounds last week when my friend commented that we had to make some plans that involved leaving the house. It was true, and it dawned on me that I have been hiding from the world for far too long.
Behind the scenes, I have got back to living life with intention, a concept introduced to me last year that changed my outlook and caused me to think differently about the way I live my life.
So I have some things planned.
1) Road tripping round California.
In 22 days (and counting) I leave for the other side of the world with the boy. We are, of course, headed for the place I love the most, San Diego, to visit my family. BUT, we have some fun plans. We intend to take a car and drive up the Route 101 to San Francisco, stopping all the way at fun little eateries and cool viewing points. We will spend a couple of days being tourists in San Fran (Return to Alcatraz and cycling the Golden Gate Bridge are on the list) and then take the south road inland down to Yosemite. I’m truly excited to be visiting such a natural wonder, and hoping that it will trip my mind more into thinking about what we are lucky to experience in this life, rather than the things that bring us down and try us.
2) Bergen, Norway.
2 firsts for me. Norway has always seemed a little magical, so for a weekend in the end of March is dedicated to a trip to the gateway to the fjords, and a boat trip around them. It’s also the first time I will be using Air BnB (heard good things and bad) so I’ll keep you posted.
What do you have planned for 2014?
Tinkerbelle 
Go for it Tinkerbubbles! 🙂
You are young enough to do it and enjoy the experience, so I can only wish you a good trip and remind you to take photographs!!! 🙂
I too have withdrawn into my shell, but now I’m trying to get back into the swim of things, although it is a slow process! 🙂
Get hurt often enough and you learn to prefer your own company… 😦
Please have fun sweetheart and be happy! 🙂
Love and huge hugs! 🙂
Prenin.
I like that you’re back. And road tripping in California is stuffed turkey for the soul, so that should be fantastic, too!
stuffed turkey for the soul? Look how American you’ve gotten! I hope your new life is turning out fantastic for you and Mrs B.
Welcome back!
I’ll enjoy reading your traveling posts. As for me, all of my plans involve gardening. 🙂
I don’t envy you, the wind is howling here and the rain lashing, although my little herb garden is flourishing 🙂
Those are some kickass goals, girl! We are trying to save money for a vacation around Christmas time. This makes me want to work harder at it.
Thanks! Where are you planning on going? I also (fingers crossed) have Iceland in the pipeline and maybe some Italy in autumn 🙂
I’m honestly quite sheltered when it comes to travelling. I’ve been two 3 states and never farther than about 200 miles, sad huh lol
My main dream vacations would be Scotland, Ireland and Greece.
Ah amazing!! If you are ever in London give me a shout, I do a good tour guide impression 🙂
Oh my dear friend! How wonderful to read your posts again 🙂 What exciting adventures you have in store. I’m attempting to save for a sneaky trip to the UK in May. It’s been given a bit of a set back after our currency plummeted against the pound – but I’m not going to let that get me down. My goal for 2014 is to meet you in real life Tinks! Cannot wait!
yay!! there’s tequila with your name all over it. You have to come now, to see Sarah! Who seems lovely, by the way xx
Yes make the most of your travel opportunities and enjoy! A part of your Grandfather will always travel with you. I lost my Grandfather 5 years ago and it still hurts today. Always will but life must go on. My Grandfather always enjoyed hearing about my adventures and we shared many together too. I always think of him when I am out and about exploring the world.
http://deanoinamerica.wordpress.com/2013/11/18/buggsy-a-tribute-to-my-grandad-lost-but-never-forgotten/