Welcome to My Life: Exploring the Southwest

Hi Friends, Family, Followers. As of recently I’ve watched the stats for this site rise with some embarrassment that it has been TWO years since I’ve posted anything. There is a reason for this lapse, and hopefully my solution will be of interest to you.

Before the solution, here is the condensed summary of what has happened since returning from travels in September 2021:

–I lived in Santa Cruz, CA, which is currently known as the county with HIGHEST rent in America. To survive, I worked 6-7 days weekly while also taking classes for a career change. Time for writing? Not even time for true rest.  
–I took care of my Mom through another health scare and then witnessed my aunt’s passing the day before my Dad’s 3 year remembrance.
–I tore my Meniscus and had to go on disability, as I couldn’t walk for several months. Working was out; I was an outdoor Montessori Preschool teacher, worked Farmers Markets, and did Oyster Catering. No room for sitting at these jobs.
–While healing and grieving, I put all of my energy into a 9 year dream and interviewed with Teach For America. After 3 rounds of interviews, I was not selected.
–For a fortunate turn of events, I caught wind of a Ghost Writing gig 800 miles away in Phoenix. With strategy, I made it to the gig and was selected, only to find all of the red flags and zero promised pay (check back for a possible post). Thanks to this carrot, failed or not, I quickly discovered a lifestyle that dreams are made of complete with loving, teaching, healing, and growth.

Since moving to Phoenix in the summer of 2022, I’ve become a full-fledged English and Art teacher at a private school (grades 6-12) and have gotten engaged to a handsome, spiritual, humorous, and artistic man that pretty much instantly became my BFF. I love teaching and helping the youth gain important modes of expression, and surprisingly, my Mr. came as a package deal with two littles. The best part? WE ALL LOVE TRAVELING. While settling into life in a new state and developing structure within a new career has kept me from exploring more states, I have been fortunate enough to take amazing weekend trips with the intention of exploring the Southwest for all of its splendor. On a budget. Did we catch the part where I mentioned that I’m a teacher with 2 child travel companions? Definitely traveling on a budget.

So here is the solution to keep this blog alive: I will continue to build upon the original goal of seeing all 50 states and writing about them as the opportunity arises. In the interim, I will share some of the gems of experience from AZ, NM, and NV to celebrate and share Southwest living: “Exploring the Southwest, Budget Friendly Edition .” There may also be some personal updates here and there, as well as some tips and tricks about cheaper travel that some of you may find useful. Stay tuned, and drop a comment to let me know if you’re enjoying it/what you would like to see more of. As always, I appreciate your support.

With warmth and love,
@thelostqueenofatlantis