The Journal #16
Embarking on another mission!
Whew. That's how I feel about the past two weeks! I had a great time in Austin celebrating James and seeing other friends. I got to visit my friend Paola in her store who I hadn’t seen since 2018. Hugging her felt like love personified!
Once I was on my way back home, all of the stress and overwhelm of the last few months hit me like a ton of bricks. Last week was particularly tough for me and I am just glad that I made it to today. The benefits of that bout with depression was that I listened to a ton of books because I couldn't really bring myself to do much that required getting out of my bed, not even eating.
Spending time with loved ones always boosts my mood, so I did manage to see a movie with my mom. We saw American Fiction, which we both really enjoyed! Do go see it if you have a chance. I also hosted a "game night" with a few friends, which turned into me making cocktails nonstop for four hours and lots of political debates! A good time was had by all and my Espresso Martini, French 75 and Mezcal Gimlet were hits. Is there such a thing as a cocktail influencer? Maybe that will be my new career.
I'm feeling much better this week and I am back to my Peloton workouts and generally just feeling much happier. I'm gearing up for ten days of crazy travel and looking forward to really getting started on my book!
Where I am traveling
In an effort to make it to the last six states I have left before I turn 40, I am heading to Anchorage, Alaska this week. Alaska has long been on my bucket list and while I am doing a quick 48 hours, I know that I will do a much longer return visit. Be sure to follow my Instagram for my adventures.
From Alaska I will head directly to Orlando for my nephew's 16th birthday party. I can't believe the baby is 16. Time is FLYING! After that I am off to Jamaica to make some jerk chicken and wine my waist, then Dominican Republic for black beans and some spiritual cleansing! I will post as much as I can while I'm traveling so tune in!
If you have any tips for any locations, always feel free to respond to the email with them!
Travel with me!
I hinted in my last newsletter that I am planning a group trip to Georgia (the country🇬🇪!). The planned dates are September 27 - October 2, 2024. We’re currently working on the itinerary and will share that very soon, but in the meantime you can let me know that you’re interested by responding to this email or send a line to info@thecatchmeifyoucan.com!
What I'm Reading
I've consumed A LOT of books in the last two weeks!!
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams: A fun romance read that has a little bit of magic and beautiful reminiscing on life in Harlem in the 1920s.
I Almost Forgot About You by Terry McMillan: So I didn't actually love this book, the main character was not very likeable. I did like the ending though, because I really like happy endings.
This is Me: Loving the person You Are Today by Chrissy Metz: I am late comer to the This is Us train, but I have gotten on board! I really enjoyed this memoir, it was honest, funny, insightful and motivational.
Beach Read by Emily Henry: This was a fun read, it was about two writers with writer's block so I could relate and I just love a good romance!
When They Call You a Terrorist by Patrice Khan-Cullors: This book is a necessary read for everyone. It is the memoir of one of the founders of the Black Lives Matter movement and it is revealing about life for poor black people living in America. It is a harsh reality that we should all be privy to, one that we should not turn away from, one that kills people and causes other undo harm every single day. It made me reflect on my privilege and the hardships of those that look exactly like me, but born into different circumstances. Read this book!
A couple recent articles about me that I have enjoyed 😊:
What I am Listening to
Teeks is an amazing singer from New Zealand. His voice is like BUTTER! Please take time to listen to his music. I love his 2021 debut album Something to Feel. Give it a listen and let me know what you think. (Apple Music • Spotify)
A Few of My Favorite Things
As I am preparing to travel to at least 25 more countries this year, I am back to having to check on which countries I need visas for. Passport Index is an amazing website that quickly helps you see the visa requirements for every country in the world, based on your passport. It is a tool I used throughout my journey to every country.
What I'm Eating/Drinking
In Austin, we ate GOOOOOD! The first night we had dinner at Sushi Roku and I was blown away, everything was delicious. There was ten of us and I am pretty sure we tried the entire menu. En route to get tacos, our Uber driver asked us where we were going and forcefully redirected us to his favorite taco spot, Las Trancas and it did not disappoint, in fact, we ate there twice. The asada tacos were the standout.
Finally, as a recommendation from my friend Myleik, I took my friends to Este. Y’all. This. Food. Was. So. Damn. Good. How good you ask? I went back for lunch, the day after I had dinner there. I ate there twice within 15 hours. Yup, that good. And I have been thinking about it ever since. Standout dishes were the trout and the mussels.
Let me know if you try it!
Until next time: catch me if you can!
-Jessica
Say hi on Instagram or check out my book for more travel tips!
Hi Lacey! Glad to hear you're enjoying the subscription! I didn't share a packing list, but the company that you're going with should share one with you. I got one from the company that I traveled with. Just ask for it!
Hi Jessica.
I’m loving this subscription.
I’m wondering if you will (or if you did and I missed it) provide a packing list for Antarctica.
I’ll be going in January of 2025 and also spending a few extra days hiking in Patagonia.
Cheers.