Yellow Dog Eats: The Only Reason You Need to Visit Gotha, Fla.

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“Comparison is the thief of joy.” We usually hear that in the context of comparing ourselves to others, but I have found it is just as true when comparing myself to a past version of me.

Last year, I set an audacious goal to run a full marathon. When I crossed that finish line, it was one of the proudest moments of my life—not because I’m a natural runner, but because it took everything I had to get there.

This year, I hoped to build on that progress. But life happened, and the training didn’t. I’m not in the same physical shape I was. I’m not the same person I was. And letting go of that has been hard.

But I’ve done it before, and I know I can find my way back. And sometimes you just have to respect where you are at the moment, even when it’s not where you hoped to be.

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” We usually hear that in the context of comparing ourselves to others, but I have found it is just as true when comparing myself to a past version of me.

Last year, I set an audacious goal to run a full marathon. When I crossed that finish line, it was one of the proudest moments of my life—not because I’m a natural runner, but because it took everything I had to get there.

This year, I hoped to build on that progress. But life happened, and the training didn’t. I’m not in the same physical shape I was. I’m not the same person I was. And letting go of that has been hard.

But I’ve done it before, and I know I can find my way back. And sometimes you just have to respect where you are at the moment, even when it’s not where you hoped to be.

I came back to St. Pete to say goodbye. Goodbye to my first home. But also goodbye to a city that cradled me through a global pandemic, when I felt detached and need roots or just when I needed space to breathe in that salty air.

I am sentimental and my emotions sit just beneath the surface, so letting go was never going to be easy. After all, St. Pete isn't just the place I called my second home for the last six years, but it is also the place I fell in love with while studying for my undergrad at USF. Even before the breweries, the bars and the bursts of color on every corner, I felt something special here. It wasn’t flashy. It didn’t have to be. It just fit.

Some places get under your skin. You don’t choose them so much as they choose you. For me, St. Pete was that constant — the place I returned to, again and again, when I needed to feel like myself.

Leaving now feels like closing a chapter I'm not quite ready to end. But the things we love the most stay with us, even after we go. Goodbye, St. Pete. You were more than a city. You were a part of me.

I came back to St. Pete to say goodbye. Goodbye to my first home. But also goodbye to a city that cradled me through a global pandemic, when I felt detached and need roots or just when I needed space to breathe in that salty air.

I am sentimental and my emotions sit just beneath the surface, so letting go was never going to be easy. After all, St. Pete isn't just the place I called my second home for the last six years, but it is also the place I fell in love with while studying for my undergrad at USF. Even before the breweries, the bars and the bursts of color on every corner, I felt something special here. It wasn’t flashy. It didn’t have to be. It just fit.

Some places get under your skin. You don’t choose them so much as they choose you. For me, St. Pete was that constant — the place I returned to, again and again, when I needed to feel like myself.

Leaving now feels like closing a chapter I'm not quite ready to end. But the things we love the most stay with us, even after we go. Goodbye, St. Pete. You were more than a city. You were a part of me.

Eighteen years ago, I boarded a one-way flight from Orlando to San Francisco with two suitcases, a few hundred dollars, and no idea of what was to come—just the sense that something was waiting for me here.

I couldn’t have imagined how much this city would change me. It’s remade me, undone me, and reshaped me more times than I can count. San Francisco is a beautifully complicated place—frustrating, magical, and unlike anywhere else.

The life I’ve lived here feels entirely my own. The highs, the heartbreaks, the detours—I owe so much of it to that leap of faith I took getting on that plane.

The city and I have grown together. We’ve both had our moments—up, down, sideways. But I’m still here. And I’m deeply grateful for all of it.

Eighteen years ago, I boarded a one-way flight from Orlando to San Francisco with two suitcases, a few hundred dollars, and no idea of what was to come—just the sense that something was waiting for me here.

I couldn’t have imagined how much this city would change me. It’s remade me, undone me, and reshaped me more times than I can count. San Francisco is a beautifully complicated place—frustrating, magical, and unlike anywhere else.

The life I’ve lived here feels entirely my own. The highs, the heartbreaks, the detours—I owe so much of it to that leap of faith I took getting on that plane.

The city and I have grown together. We’ve both had our moments—up, down, sideways. But I’m still here. And I’m deeply grateful for all of it.

Mendocino: Waves whisper, redwoods breathe, and everything slows down.

Mendocino: Waves whisper, redwoods breathe, and everything slows down.

Down on the West Coast, I get this feelin'...
(Feb. 2022, Santa Monica, Calif.)
Photo Credit: @coolvintagecameras

Down on the West Coast, I get this feelin'...
(Feb. 2022, Santa Monica, Calif.)
Photo Credit: @coolvintagecameras

Another time in another place.
(Feb. 2022, Santa Monica, Calif.)
Photo by @coolvintagecameras

Another time in another place.
(Feb. 2022, Santa Monica, Calif.)
Photo by @coolvintagecameras

Dance and music isn't just something I love, but it inside of me on a cellular level. So, when I visited Madrid there was no question I would go see a flamenco performance. I wanted it to be an authentic and memorable experience, so I did a ton of research and landed on @corralmoreria. I chose it for its extensive history and because many notable performers pass through here.

I was surprised by how moving an experience it was. You don't have to speak the same language to feel the emotion. The singing and dancing were decisive and confident but also raw. The dancing was so musical in its own right.

I really cannot recommend the show enough! But I would skip the dinner. Though it has one Michelin star, and the plating was elegant, the food missed the mark for me (e.g. balance of flavors was off, etc.) Whether you choose dinner and a show or just the show, reservations are a must! (October 1, 2024)

Dance and music isn't just something I love, but it inside of me on a cellular level. So, when I visited Madrid there was no question I would go see a flamenco performance. I wanted it to be an authentic and memorable experience, so I did a ton of research and landed on @corralmoreria. I chose it for its extensive history and because many notable performers pass through here.

I was surprised by how moving an experience it was. You don't have to speak the same language to feel the emotion. The singing and dancing were decisive and confident but also raw. The dancing was so musical in its own right.

I really cannot recommend the show enough! But I would skip the dinner. Though it has one Michelin star, and the plating was elegant, the food missed the mark for me (e.g. balance of flavors was off, etc.) Whether you choose dinner and a show or just the show, reservations are a must! (October 1, 2024)

When I visited @restaurante_botin, I had a late seating at 11:15 p.m., which was rough for someone who is used to being in bed at that time. Since I was one of the last diners though, they allowed me to take a quick look around the restaurant and explore areas like the wine cellar and of course I snagged a photo of Hemingway's table. Another thing that made this meal so memorable was the musical performance, which I had a front row seat to! (October 3, 2024)

When I visited @restaurante_botin, I had a late seating at 11:15 p.m., which was rough for someone who is used to being in bed at that time. Since I was one of the last diners though, they allowed me to take a quick look around the restaurant and explore areas like the wine cellar and of course I snagged a photo of Hemingway's table. Another thing that made this meal so memorable was the musical performance, which I had a front row seat to! (October 3, 2024)

It is funny how quickly moments become part of your past. Can hardly believe it has already been almost three weeks since I got home from Europe.

It is funny how quickly moments become part of your past. Can hardly believe it has already been almost three weeks since I got home from Europe.

Madrid wasn't my city, but it didn't keep me from finding ways to enjoy it. After an afternoon at Mercado de San Miguel, I stumbled through the crowds and fell into the pathway of this street. I loved the curvature of the buildings and the way the light hit just so. (October 3, 2024)

Madrid wasn't my city, but it didn't keep me from finding ways to enjoy it. After an afternoon at Mercado de San Miguel, I stumbled through the crowds and fell into the pathway of this street. I loved the curvature of the buildings and the way the light hit just so. (October 3, 2024)

Happy Birthday to my beautiful, mom @love_afare! Last year, we spent her birthday together in Tanzania. It was not only special because of the location, but because these days we do spend less birthdays together. I will always cherish that unique and amazing experience we had together. Mom, I hope this video allows you to relive a little of that joy! A shout out to our guide and friend Humphrey who didn't want to miss my mom's celebration. We lost him this year but still think of him often.

Happy Birthday to my beautiful, mom @love_afare! Last year, we spent her birthday together in Tanzania. It was not only special because of the location, but because these days we do spend less birthdays together. I will always cherish that unique and amazing experience we had together. Mom, I hope this video allows you to relive a little of that joy! A shout out to our guide and friend Humphrey who didn't want to miss my mom's celebration. We lost him this year but still think of him often.

Everyone's bucket list is different and personal to them. My list happens to include a lot of museums. Having watched just about every documentary on the @gardnermuseum and reading about it extensively, I have long wanted to visit this beautiful space and experience it for myself. Finally this summer, I got to realize that dream. My favorite 'piece' might be the building itself. The gardens stopped me in my tracks when I walked in. Of course, the museum is famous for being victim of the largest art heist in history. The crime remains unsolved, and perhaps that adds to the allure of the place. It breaks my art that so many meaningful and storied paintings were taken from the public, but I respect the decision to keep their empty frames on display. It is important to remember what was lost.

Everyone's bucket list is different and personal to them. My list happens to include a lot of museums. Having watched just about every documentary on the @gardnermuseum and reading about it extensively, I have long wanted to visit this beautiful space and experience it for myself. Finally this summer, I got to realize that dream. My favorite 'piece' might be the building itself. The gardens stopped me in my tracks when I walked in. Of course, the museum is famous for being victim of the largest art heist in history. The crime remains unsolved, and perhaps that adds to the allure of the place. It breaks my art that so many meaningful and storied paintings were taken from the public, but I respect the decision to keep their empty frames on display. It is important to remember what was lost.

'Bewitched' and 'I Dream of Jeannie' were two of my favorite shows as a kid. They were two strong female leads with these amazing superpowers and a penchant for finding mischief. I was so excited to see the Bewitched statue and visit the @hawthornehotel where the show filmed. 🧙

'Bewitched' and 'I Dream of Jeannie' were two of my favorite shows as a kid. They were two strong female leads with these amazing superpowers and a penchant for finding mischief. I was so excited to see the Bewitched statue and visit the @hawthornehotel where the show filmed. 🧙

“Fenway Park, in Boston, is a lyric little bandbox of a ball park. Everything is painted green and seems in curiously sharp focus, like the inside of an old-fashioned peeping-type Easter egg.” — John Updike

“Fenway Park, in Boston, is a lyric little bandbox of a ball park. Everything is painted green and seems in curiously sharp focus, like the inside of an old-fashioned peeping-type Easter egg.” — John Updike

One of my favorite ways to see a new place is through the local library and the bookstores. @bplboston did not disappoint, and it was like a museum in its own right with all the John Singer Sargent murals. A really lovely and special place.

One of my favorite ways to see a new place is through the local library and the bookstores. @bplboston did not disappoint, and it was like a museum in its own right with all the John Singer Sargent murals. A really lovely and special place.

I can see why so many writers were drawn to Beacon Hill. I think I would quite like walking the crooked cobblestone alleys and gazing out from one of those brownstones.

I can see why so many writers were drawn to Beacon Hill. I think I would quite like walking the crooked cobblestone alleys and gazing out from one of those brownstones.

Being from a beach town means that whenever I get back to the ocean, it feels like home. I was so lucky to spend a week in Hawaii earlier this month. I can't believe it was my first trip there, but I know it won't be the last.

Being from a beach town means that whenever I get back to the ocean, it feels like home. I was so lucky to spend a week in Hawaii earlier this month. I can't believe it was my first trip there, but I know it won't be the last.

A marathon will take you to your physical and emotional brink. It is a test in willpower as much as physical fitness. And it is one of the hardest things I have done in my life. Despite some setbacks during training, I continued to move forward. I am so proud that I showed up for myself today and more than that for every training session that got me to the race.

I would be remiss if I didn't send thanks to my friends and family who have supported me throughout the process. The words of encouragement and well wishes have meant more than you will ever know. They got me through the training, the moments of self-doubt and the big day! A special shoutout to the people who came out today to support me on the course, even if it was only to see me for 30 seconds. Seeing your faces was a highlight and gave me the strength in that final stretch.

A marathon will take you to your physical and emotional brink. It is a test in willpower as much as physical fitness. And it is one of the hardest things I have done in my life. Despite some setbacks during training, I continued to move forward. I am so proud that I showed up for myself today and more than that for every training session that got me to the race.

I would be remiss if I didn't send thanks to my friends and family who have supported me throughout the process. The words of encouragement and well wishes have meant more than you will ever know. They got me through the training, the moments of self-doubt and the big day! A special shoutout to the people who came out today to support me on the course, even if it was only to see me for 30 seconds. Seeing your faces was a highlight and gave me the strength in that final stretch.

When I accidentally dressed like an adult Eloise while having tea at @theplazahotel. 😂

When I accidentally dressed like an adult Eloise while having tea at @theplazahotel. 😂

I wish I could say I just sailed info 40 without a second thought. But these type of milestones have a way of making you pause. Despite having a wonderful and full life, the normal insecurities crept in....why am I not thinner, more successful, more certain of my path, etc?

Even with my misgivings, I was determined to welcome my 40th year with a celebration and without any of the sadness that we too often allow to take our joy during life's big moments.

I kicked it off by breaking bread with some of my dearest friends in San Francisco. And then I met my mom in NYC for a long weekend of celebrating. She planned four days of events that she lovingly called, "Jenna's Birthday Extravaganza." A day for each decade. There were musicals, literary pub crawls, museums, carriage rides, afternoon tea, exquisite meals and lots of champagne! My mom made me feel special in only a way that a mom can.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of my Birthday! From the dinners, special treats, calls, texts, social media messages, I have been touched that so many people reached out. It helped me step into what's next with a little more levity and a very full heart.

Finally, I would be remiss if it didn't thank my dad who is always a good sport about my mom and I going on these adventures.

I wish I could say I just sailed info 40 without a second thought. But these type of milestones have a way of making you pause. Despite having a wonderful and full life, the normal insecurities crept in....why am I not thinner, more successful, more certain of my path, etc?

Even with my misgivings, I was determined to welcome my 40th year with a celebration and without any of the sadness that we too often allow to take our joy during life's big moments.

I kicked it off by breaking bread with some of my dearest friends in San Francisco. And then I met my mom in NYC for a long weekend of celebrating. She planned four days of events that she lovingly called, "Jenna's Birthday Extravaganza." A day for each decade. There were musicals, literary pub crawls, museums, carriage rides, afternoon tea, exquisite meals and lots of champagne! My mom made me feel special in only a way that a mom can.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of my Birthday! From the dinners, special treats, calls, texts, social media messages, I have been touched that so many people reached out. It helped me step into what's next with a little more levity and a very full heart.

Finally, I would be remiss if it didn't thank my dad who is always a good sport about my mom and I going on these adventures.

“Africa changes you forever, like nowhere on earth. Once you have been there, you will never be the same. But how do you begin to describe its magic to someone who has never felt it? How can you explain the fascination of this vast, dusty continent, whose oldest roads are elephant paths? Could it be because Africa is the place of all our beginnings, the cradle of mankind, where our species first stood upright on the savannahs of long ago?” - Brian Jackman, journalist

“Africa changes you forever, like nowhere on earth. Once you have been there, you will never be the same. But how do you begin to describe its magic to someone who has never felt it? How can you explain the fascination of this vast, dusty continent, whose oldest roads are elephant paths? Could it be because Africa is the place of all our beginnings, the cradle of mankind, where our species first stood upright on the savannahs of long ago?” - Brian Jackman, journalist

Zebras. Or what I like to call horses with better outfits.

Zebras. Or what I like to call horses with better outfits.

Still getting through all my vacay pictures. Looking at them takes me back to that extraordinary trip to Tanzania. Every day was something new, and it was never lost on me how lucky I was to get to see all these magnificent animals. We saw this cheetah on our last hours in the Serengeti. While known for their speed and agility, this cat was content just laying under the tree.

Still getting through all my vacay pictures. Looking at them takes me back to that extraordinary trip to Tanzania. Every day was something new, and it was never lost on me how lucky I was to get to see all these magnificent animals. We saw this cheetah on our last hours in the Serengeti. While known for their speed and agility, this cat was content just laying under the tree.

I walk alone.

I walk alone.

I never thought I would become one of those annoying running people, but here I am. 😂 With running, there is the pursuit to always be faster and perform better than your last training run or race. But it is also good to remember how far you have come. I was looking back at my @runkeeper from when I first started, and boy have I made huge improvements! I have shaved minutes off my mile time while adding miles. You can always do more than you think you can, and I can't wait to see what's possible in 2024.

I never thought I would become one of those annoying running people, but here I am. 😂 With running, there is the pursuit to always be faster and perform better than your last training run or race. But it is also good to remember how far you have come. I was looking back at my @runkeeper from when I first started, and boy have I made huge improvements! I have shaved minutes off my mile time while adding miles. You can always do more than you think you can, and I can't wait to see what's possible in 2024.

There are so many places I have yet to see, but up until this point Ngorongoro Crater is one of my favorite places in the world. Its natural beauty brought me to tears, and there is something about it that just gets into your cells and stays with you. I think about it every day. The pool at @ngorongorolodge sits right on the crater rim, and I could have stayed there for hours.

There are so many places I have yet to see, but up until this point Ngorongoro Crater is one of my favorite places in the world. Its natural beauty brought me to tears, and there is something about it that just gets into your cells and stays with you. I think about it every day. The pool at @ngorongorolodge sits right on the crater rim, and I could have stayed there for hours.

There was something profound about getting to observe this mama lion with her babies. She was so tender with them, even as they crawled all over her. In that moment, the distance between us and them felt minuscule, and we didn't seem that different at all.

There was something profound about getting to observe this mama lion with her babies. She was so tender with them, even as they crawled all over her. In that moment, the distance between us and them felt minuscule, and we didn't seem that different at all.

While we enjoyed some of the best accommodations of my life while in Tanzania, the one that captured my heart and imagination was the @tarangirekurotreetopslodge. This luxury glamping experience will have you forgetting that you are staying in a tent. My only regret was that we only had one night at this special place.

While we enjoyed some of the best accommodations of my life while in Tanzania, the one that captured my heart and imagination was the @tarangirekurotreetopslodge. This luxury glamping experience will have you forgetting that you are staying in a tent. My only regret was that we only had one night at this special place.

Whether it is writing or taking photos, people are always my favorite subjects. It comes from a genuine interest in connecting with the human spirit and understanding others lived experiences. These children are part of the Maasai tribe. Primary education is compulsory in Tanzania, but when the children aren't in school, it is very common to see the young boys tending to the livestock, which is how we came across these two boys while passing through the Ngorongoro area. They have a very hard life, and the Maasai are considered one of the most impoverished tribes in East Africa.

Whether it is writing or taking photos, people are always my favorite subjects. It comes from a genuine interest in connecting with the human spirit and understanding others lived experiences. These children are part of the Maasai tribe. Primary education is compulsory in Tanzania, but when the children aren't in school, it is very common to see the young boys tending to the livestock, which is how we came across these two boys while passing through the Ngorongoro area. They have a very hard life, and the Maasai are considered one of the most impoverished tribes in East Africa.

Never stop trying new things, because you might just surprise yourself. Despite growing up dancing and performing, I have always felt like singing was an extreme act of vulnerability. And as you get older, trying new things feels even riskier. A year ago, I couldn't imagine I would be on a stage with an amazing band singing by myself! I still have a lot to learn and there is plenty of room for improvement, but I am proud of myself for even trying.

Never stop trying new things, because you might just surprise yourself. Despite growing up dancing and performing, I have always felt like singing was an extreme act of vulnerability. And as you get older, trying new things feels even riskier. A year ago, I couldn't imagine I would be on a stage with an amazing band singing by myself! I still have a lot to learn and there is plenty of room for improvement, but I am proud of myself for even trying.

We loved our stay at the @siringitcollection while in the Northern Serengeti for a couple of days. It is a mobile campsite that moves with the migration. On our last evening there, we had 300 wildebeest and zebras come through the site. A truly unique experience, and it was one of my favorite places we stayed while in Tanzania.

We loved our stay at the @siringitcollection while in the Northern Serengeti for a couple of days. It is a mobile campsite that moves with the migration. On our last evening there, we had 300 wildebeest and zebras come through the site. A truly unique experience, and it was one of my favorite places we stayed while in Tanzania.

Since I have back from my great safari adventure, there hasn't been a day that's gone by that my mind hasn't drifted off to Tanzania. 🇹🇿 Truly a trip of a lifetime, and I feel so incredibly lucky to see all these magical animals in their natural habitat.

Since I have back from my great safari adventure, there hasn't been a day that's gone by that my mind hasn't drifted off to Tanzania. 🇹🇿 Truly a trip of a lifetime, and I feel so incredibly lucky to see all these magical animals in their natural habitat.

Just some of the natural beauty of Tanzania.

Just some of the natural beauty of Tanzania.

"Jambo Bwana" is Kenyan pop song that has also become popular in Tanzania. We heard it many times during our trip, and I never tired of it. This rendition was during our spice tour in Zanzibar.

"Jambo Bwana" is Kenyan pop song that has also become popular in Tanzania. We heard it many times during our trip, and I never tired of it. This rendition was during our spice tour in Zanzibar.

This is the first ceremonial dance that the Maasai performed to welcome us to their village.

This is the first ceremonial dance that the Maasai performed to welcome us to their village.

There are more than 120+ tribes in Tanzania. The most well known is the Maasai tribe. They are a nomadic people whose wealth is based on live stock. Their diet consists of meat and blood, as they view vegetables as the animals food. They practice polyamory, but it is one wife to one house. I had the opportunity to visit one of their homes, which the women customarily build. There is no electricity, so it was very dark, and you cannot stand straight up in it. While I was most interested in learning about their culture and the way they lived, I found they were just as interested in learning about me. It was definitely an educational experience.

There are more than 120+ tribes in Tanzania. The most well known is the Maasai tribe. They are a nomadic people whose wealth is based on live stock. Their diet consists of meat and blood, as they view vegetables as the animals food. They practice polyamory, but it is one wife to one house. I had the opportunity to visit one of their homes, which the women customarily build. There is no electricity, so it was very dark, and you cannot stand straight up in it. While I was most interested in learning about their culture and the way they lived, I found they were just as interested in learning about me. It was definitely an educational experience.

The people of Tanzania have such a kind and generous spirit. I have been so moved by their openness and how welcome they make you feel. They are also eager to share their culture with you, and I have been a willing student. We stopped at some roadside shops outside of the Tarangire National Park. I was so taken by the woman on the right that I asked if I could take her picture. Without asking, her friend walked over and joined the photo.

The people of Tanzania have such a kind and generous spirit. I have been so moved by their openness and how welcome they make you feel. They are also eager to share their culture with you, and I have been a willing student. We stopped at some roadside shops outside of the Tarangire National Park. I was so taken by the woman on the right that I asked if I could take her picture. Without asking, her friend walked over and joined the photo.

@tarangire_national_park is known for its abundance of elephants, and it did not disappoint! I love watching these gentle giants.

@tarangire_national_park is known for its abundance of elephants, and it did not disappoint! I love watching these gentle giants.

I feel so fortunate to have seen so many of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Each time you see them feels more fantastic than the last.

I feel so fortunate to have seen so many of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Each time you see them feels more fantastic than the last.

Another amazing @sfopera ball with the best crew!

Another amazing @sfopera ball with the best crew!

Blue Jean Queen.

Blue Jean Queen.

This past weekend, I completed my fourth half marathon. I am still shocked when I cross that finish line, because it wasn't that long ago it seemed an improbable feat. When I took up running again as an adult, I couldn't go further than a half a mile. Eventually, I got to the point I could comfortably run a 5K, and I thought that was as far as I would ever go. Then COVID struck, and I found myself grasping for meaning during an inexplicable time. Running became my lifeline when I felt untethered. It brought structure to my life amidst the chaos. So I ran and I ran to the point that a half marathon felt like something within my grasp. And after a few race postponements, I reached my goal in 2021. There is always work to do though, and on Sunday I achieved a new personal record.

Thankfully, the pandemic is starting to feel like something that is in our past, but the running practice I adopted during that time will be forever a part of my future. It is given me the confidence and the knowing that I am capable of more than I believe and even when that hill feels like it is too hard to climb, if you just put one foot in front of the other you will get there in the end.

This past weekend, I completed my fourth half marathon. I am still shocked when I cross that finish line, because it wasn't that long ago it seemed an improbable feat. When I took up running again as an adult, I couldn't go further than a half a mile. Eventually, I got to the point I could comfortably run a 5K, and I thought that was as far as I would ever go. Then COVID struck, and I found myself grasping for meaning during an inexplicable time. Running became my lifeline when I felt untethered. It brought structure to my life amidst the chaos. So I ran and I ran to the point that a half marathon felt like something within my grasp. And after a few race postponements, I reached my goal in 2021. There is always work to do though, and on Sunday I achieved a new personal record.

Thankfully, the pandemic is starting to feel like something that is in our past, but the running practice I adopted during that time will be forever a part of my future. It is given me the confidence and the knowing that I am capable of more than I believe and even when that hill feels like it is too hard to climb, if you just put one foot in front of the other you will get there in the end.

L.A. vibes. I was built for sunshine.

L.A. vibes. I was built for sunshine.

My Easter Sunday best.

My Easter Sunday best.

When I first read learned about @lingrrestaurant I was intrigued by Chef Jeffrey Jew's personal take on food that represented his heritage. At first blush Nordic and Asian fusion food sounds like an odd coupling, but on second thought it makes a lot of sense when you think about how these are two cuisines that are often seafood centric and have a focus on clean flavors. The food at Lingr feels deeply personal while also being inventive and just plain delicious. The chef and team have really thought through the whole experience, and the dining area and bar are sleek and stunning. I can't wait to see how this restaurant continues to evolve, and I am so glad that St. Pete has such a special place.

When I first read learned about @lingrrestaurant I was intrigued by Chef Jeffrey Jew's personal take on food that represented his heritage. At first blush Nordic and Asian fusion food sounds like an odd coupling, but on second thought it makes a lot of sense when you think about how these are two cuisines that are often seafood centric and have a focus on clean flavors. The food at Lingr feels deeply personal while also being inventive and just plain delicious. The chef and team have really thought through the whole experience, and the dining area and bar are sleek and stunning. I can't wait to see how this restaurant continues to evolve, and I am so glad that St. Pete has such a special place.

"New York had all the iridescence of the beginning of the world." - F. Scott Fitzgerald

The stunning view from the very cool @jimmy.soho at the @modernhaussoho hotel. Perfect place to stay just a little while.

"New York had all the iridescence of the beginning of the world." - F. Scott Fitzgerald

The stunning view from the very cool @jimmy.soho at the @modernhaussoho hotel. Perfect place to stay just a little while.

@gramercytavern was the perfect place for a boujee bitch birthday lunch. I chose to dine in the tavern (instead of the main dining room), which has a casual, energetic vibe while still offering refined dishes a la carte. It is a classic for a reason.

@gramercytavern was the perfect place for a boujee bitch birthday lunch. I chose to dine in the tavern (instead of the main dining room), which has a casual, energetic vibe while still offering refined dishes a la carte. It is a classic for a reason.

Can't believe this photo was already a week ago. So much fun and good food in NYC!

Can't believe this photo was already a week ago. So much fun and good food in NYC!

There is a reason that @ericripert's @lebernardinny is a perennial favorite among reviewers and diners alike. It is a splendid dining experience from beginning to end. The service is top notch, and no detail is missed. The sizable staff that it takes to run such an operation moves around the dining room like a fine-tuned orchestra. The food is technically excellent but also playful like the tuna tartare and sea urchin toast with jus de viande that's a play on surf and turf and the langoustine with wild mushroom truffled mousseline that was reminiscent of the cream of mushroom soup from my youth. I am so glad I was able to fulfill my dream of dining here. It was the perfect ending to my trip in NYC, and the best way to celebrate my final year in my 30s.

There is a reason that @ericripert's @lebernardinny is a perennial favorite among reviewers and diners alike. It is a splendid dining experience from beginning to end. The service is top notch, and no detail is missed. The sizable staff that it takes to run such an operation moves around the dining room like a fine-tuned orchestra. The food is technically excellent but also playful like the tuna tartare and sea urchin toast with jus de viande that's a play on surf and turf and the langoustine with wild mushroom truffled mousseline that was reminiscent of the cream of mushroom soup from my youth. I am so glad I was able to fulfill my dream of dining here. It was the perfect ending to my trip in NYC, and the best way to celebrate my final year in my 30s.

"I can only note that the past is beautiful because one never realises an emotion at the time. It expands later, and thus we don't have complete emotions about the present, only about the past." - Virginia Woolf

Remembering my trek through the rain to see where Virginia had once lived though it is now a hotel.

"I can only note that the past is beautiful because one never realises an emotion at the time. It expands later, and thus we don't have complete emotions about the present, only about the past." - Virginia Woolf

Remembering my trek through the rain to see where Virginia had once lived though it is now a hotel.

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From the Sunshine State to the Golden State, I am always looking for my next adventure and next great meal. Look forward to sharing my explorations with you.

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