13 photos from 2013

I left a bit of my heart in Big Sur this year

High above the clouds off of Highway One near Big Sur

Lots of weekends away visiting my parents in Portland; this is from picking berries on Sauvie Island

Exploring Santa Barbara's Urban Wine Trail, one of my favorite things to do on a Sunday

My cat, who made grown up life a lot more joyful 

Snuck up to Berkeley/San Francisco this fall, my first time back since graduating 

The closest I got to scuba diving this year... :(

A 12 hour layover in one of my favorite cities, Washington DC

Visiting my best friend at her new home in Senegal, Africa, was a major highlight

Carmel-by-the-sea was surprisingly almost as beautiful as Big Sur

My birthday was a vast improvement from the year before, having all of my friends and family celebrate with me at a picnic in the park was really special

I thought I'd share some of my favorite photos/moments from this past year.

I know, I can't believe 2013 is over either.  This year wasn't my favorite; while I got my first real job (that I love!), it's been hard settling down and getting into the swing of post-college and post-traveling life.  I've often internalized my struggle too (telling myself to "grow up" and deal with it), so I didn't even really realize that I wasn't too excited about this year until I reached the end of it.  I'm still personally wrestling with the idea and saying "fuck it" and leaving or sticking it out to save and be responsible for another year.  Regardless, 2014, I'm ready for ya!