The Anticipation Feeling

San Francisco
Pualani

I couldn’t go to sleep last night. This...my 3 month sabbatical...still doesn’t feel real. Of course, I still had to do some last-minute packing and bill-paying this morning, but I somehow (hopefully I didn’t forget anything important!) packed my suitcases for what will be the most anticipated journey of my life to date. My first destination will ironically take me back to where my life started... back to the Bay Area. Although I no longer have a home to go back to, in my heart of hearts, I still feel like I’m coming “home”.

There will be many celebrations this week. My dad turns 60 this summer, I can’t believe it! My aunt’s 25th death anniversary will also reunite our family for what is always guaranteed to be a memorable party. But before these weekend celebrations, I’ll be taking a detour to the most beautiful valley in CA - the wine country of Napa Valley. I have gone to Napa more in the past two years than I ever did while living in the Bay Area. However, this time I’ll be wine tasting with my sister Traci and cousin Autumn, along with the usual suspects (Boyd, Cory, Lara, and Koa). Based on our past few trips to Napa, I am certain that the pictures will tell the story of another unforgettable wine-filled adventure.

The most amazing part about my journey is that I am looking forward to each and every destination. That feeling of anticipation that typically accompanies every big trip will reoccur every time I head to a new country. My excitement cannot be contained or succinctly put into words. I will no doubt see beautiful places that I have never before seen, meet incredible people who I never knew existed, but most importantly, I will learn a lot about myself in these next few months. My parents, my sister and my girlfriends have been my biggest supporters with this trip and I thank them for listening, offering advice, and for being such an important part of my life. I am blessed and grateful to be able to live this experience and cannot wait for my journey to unfold. I’m glad that you’re coming along for the ride.

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