My mother who has long been deceased dreamt of seeing so many countries and foreign places. She wanted me to tag along because of my average speaking Spanish, and my use of technology. She passed at 55, and I still check plane tickets of where she’d like to have gone.
If you do go to Korea with your family, I highly recommend flying on Air Premia business cause it is pretty solid flying for how much leg room you can get. (Sister flew out of New Jersey last minute to Korea for 1200 on economy!) Trade off is they don’t give you as many meals vs Asiana/Korean Air.
Whenever and wherever you go, you’ll have a wonderful time. ❤️
We recently booked flights for my mom to stay with us in California for a six weeks. She was reluctant to agree to it at first because we just saw her back in China a few weeks ago and she was in California this January. Then my husband said, we need to free ourselves from the mindset (that we had while we were still in school) that we only see family once a year - just because we live across the ocean.
Yes! I read that you went back to China for the first time in years and I was so happy for you! How wonderful to have your mom come visit for such a long period 💕
I too felt like this window (I'm 56, adult children) is when I was going to travel- a lot. But then Covid happened, employment disrupted, moved a bunch of times, and well, not much travel has happened. Good for you on buying the tickets! I have never regretted a trip, and always feel like every penny spent is worth it 💯. I hope to get back to it soon. My sister and I took my mother to Ireland in 2019; it was her lifelong dream trip, but at 72, she was exhausted the whole time. Fast forward to now, and she barely leaves her home. It's really eye-opening and also motivating me to take good care of myself. Your message about not waiting really resonates.
Hi Lisa! Yes, this exactly. The pandemic stole away a bunch of years from us where I would have loved to travel a bit more with my kids while they were still at home. I also took a huge trip with my mom last year and while she did fine during, it proved too much for her in the end. It’s definitely eye opening! Made me realize there might be a small window for travel and if retired, but not as physically capable anymore, what was the point of saving all that money?
It was great to read something that reflects so much of what I’m feeling and thinking. Sounds like we’re around the same point in our lives.
It’s crazy how realizing how little time we might have moves us to spend it doing the things that matter. I learned about this during a work trip where I took an extra day and ended up sitting next to an old couple who had waited so long to visit Paris that now they didn’t have the strength to walk up it’s many stairs. They were so sad it made me sad- and made me try to do better if I can.
Oh god, this is what has been going on in my head lately, with all the physical things going on, it’s definitely lit a fire because I don’t want to be that sad couple in Paris either!
This post really resonated with me as I feel myself and my husband have been having parallel conversations lately! As we approach the empty nest (our youngest has one school year before heading off to university) we have realised that some habits as frugal parents have become so ingrained that it is difficult to imagine relinquishing these. We have never been a family for expensive holidays, for example, but we have started to realise that a bit of luxury for just the two of us might actually be quite nice, rather than constantly searching for the budget options.
The most special text I’ve read in days. It’s so important to have this ‘scale’ and put our lives in perspective. Thank you for this subtle and profound reminder, Jenna.
Often, we don't remember the $15 dollars or whatever that we saved, but we do remember the experiences that we took. Months, years, down the line, it's likely that we won't even miss the money spent.
My mother who has long been deceased dreamt of seeing so many countries and foreign places. She wanted me to tag along because of my average speaking Spanish, and my use of technology. She passed at 55, and I still check plane tickets of where she’d like to have gone.
If you do go to Korea with your family, I highly recommend flying on Air Premia business cause it is pretty solid flying for how much leg room you can get. (Sister flew out of New Jersey last minute to Korea for 1200 on economy!) Trade off is they don’t give you as many meals vs Asiana/Korean Air.
Whenever and wherever you go, you’ll have a wonderful time. ❤️
I'm sorry to hear your mom passed so young - just about my age. We shouldn't take time or our health for granted 💔
So excited for your upcoming travel, Jenna!
We recently booked flights for my mom to stay with us in California for a six weeks. She was reluctant to agree to it at first because we just saw her back in China a few weeks ago and she was in California this January. Then my husband said, we need to free ourselves from the mindset (that we had while we were still in school) that we only see family once a year - just because we live across the ocean.
Yes! I read that you went back to China for the first time in years and I was so happy for you! How wonderful to have your mom come visit for such a long period 💕
Nice to see you drawing again! :)
I too felt like this window (I'm 56, adult children) is when I was going to travel- a lot. But then Covid happened, employment disrupted, moved a bunch of times, and well, not much travel has happened. Good for you on buying the tickets! I have never regretted a trip, and always feel like every penny spent is worth it 💯. I hope to get back to it soon. My sister and I took my mother to Ireland in 2019; it was her lifelong dream trip, but at 72, she was exhausted the whole time. Fast forward to now, and she barely leaves her home. It's really eye-opening and also motivating me to take good care of myself. Your message about not waiting really resonates.
Hi Lisa! Yes, this exactly. The pandemic stole away a bunch of years from us where I would have loved to travel a bit more with my kids while they were still at home. I also took a huge trip with my mom last year and while she did fine during, it proved too much for her in the end. It’s definitely eye opening! Made me realize there might be a small window for travel and if retired, but not as physically capable anymore, what was the point of saving all that money?
It was great to read something that reflects so much of what I’m feeling and thinking. Sounds like we’re around the same point in our lives.
It’s crazy how realizing how little time we might have moves us to spend it doing the things that matter. I learned about this during a work trip where I took an extra day and ended up sitting next to an old couple who had waited so long to visit Paris that now they didn’t have the strength to walk up it’s many stairs. They were so sad it made me sad- and made me try to do better if I can.
Oh god, this is what has been going on in my head lately, with all the physical things going on, it’s definitely lit a fire because I don’t want to be that sad couple in Paris either!
I really enjoyed reading this and am looking forward to reading more, have just subscribed ❤️
Thank you so much for stopping by 🫶
Come visit me next summer and I’ll give you a basket of tomatoes for free
😍💕
Hi Jenna, i cant believe no one has asked you yet where you'll be going so I'll be that person 😉
Hi! We’re going to London. Not anywhere super exotic, but will be my kids’ second time in Europe. ☺️
Jenn? Asian-American? And an ex-designer?
Twin?!
But srsly though your writing is refreshingly raw and your drawing is beautiful. I hope you enjoy your trip 🫶
Thank you Jenny! So happy you stopped by here today.
This post really resonated with me as I feel myself and my husband have been having parallel conversations lately! As we approach the empty nest (our youngest has one school year before heading off to university) we have realised that some habits as frugal parents have become so ingrained that it is difficult to imagine relinquishing these. We have never been a family for expensive holidays, for example, but we have started to realise that a bit of luxury for just the two of us might actually be quite nice, rather than constantly searching for the budget options.
We deserve to live life a little, Kate! I heard a set of unimaginable news this week and I can't stress tis enough to everyone.
The most special text I’ve read in days. It’s so important to have this ‘scale’ and put our lives in perspective. Thank you for this subtle and profound reminder, Jenna.
Thank you so much Raquel. It turned out to be a tough week and putting even more weight into these words.
Bought a last minute ticket a few weeks back, to travel that same week. The price was absurd, but knew it was the right move.
Being on the other side of that travel now, I can confirm that taking the plunge was indeed the right move.
Often, we don't remember the $15 dollars or whatever that we saved, but we do remember the experiences that we took. Months, years, down the line, it's likely that we won't even miss the money spent.