01/20/2026
☀️ Take that vacation.
It had been 10 years since Dirk—my best friend and love of my life—and I carved out space for a restorative escape: just us in Los Cabos for 8 days. In the 21 years we’ve shared, life has held breathtaking beauty alongside undeniable weight. We planned exactly one thing—a sunset sail out of Cabo San Lucas—and let the rest unfold. Slow mornings. Open afternoons. This trip met us exactly where we needed it—offering nourishment and rest for body and soul—sunshine, respite, adventure, and incredible meals, all served at the perfect pace.
Just before we left, we learned humpback whale mating season was underway in the Sea of Cortez. With glee, we booked 2 low-key outings with Salty Cabo out of San José del Cabo, intentionally avoiding the tourism of Cabo San Lucas. What began as curiosity turned into a childhood bucket-list moment I didn’t realize I was still carrying.
Seeing the humpback whales up close—graceful, powerful, playful, and cautious—brought a deep calm to my soul. From our room, the pool, la playa, and out on the water, they became the most humbling entertainment imaginable. I accepted I couldn’t catch every epic display and delighted in the moments I was given. They brought peace, perspective, and a reminder of how small—and connected—we are. Dirk says I may have missed my calling as a marine biologist.
I’ve had many callings in this life, and I’m deeply grateful to be living the one I’m in now.
Life still traveled with me—a head cold on the tail-end of the trip and a subluxed T1 vertebra on the flight home—but there were meaningful health wins. Foods I’ve restricted for years were savored, and I spent hours in direct sunlight without my usual severe UV reactions. I don’t take those gifts lightly.
This trip gave me space to pause, reflect, and set intentions for the year: prioritize family time, read for pleasure and growth, bring creativity back into the kitchen, plan future travel, and choose deeper, more present togetherness.
Being With Changes Everything—a truth echoed in my friend Josh Cordell’s recent book—and one I’m carrying home into this next season.
Rest restores.
Connection grounds.
Creating memories is life.
