Behind the Curtain: July 2018

I’ve come to look forward to these monthly posts about what I’m into beyond travel because there’s so much more to my life than where I go, despite the fact that it’s something I love. It’s funny how many people respond with their obsessions or agree with mine! As with last month, I’m sharing the things I’m obsessed with at the moment. Thanks for following along! Be sure to share what you’re loving this month below!

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Reading

Last month, I tore through The Rules Do Not Apply, which was one of the best memoirs I’ve read in a while about a writer who goes through struggles in her personal life while she travels for work. Now I’m reading The Girls, a fictional take on the Manson Family, and Quiet, a book about introverts. To see what else I’m reading, check out my Goodreads Profile here (which is also my author page!).

Listening

I’ve been trying to spend more time with friends lately so after lunch with my friend Sarah, she recommended the Girls Gotta Eat podcast. It turns out that one of the girls used to live in Atlanta and I saw her at media events. These are like the conversations I’ve never had with friends but maybe should have.

Watching

If you know nothing else about me, you should know that I’ve always been fascinated by other religions and belief systems. I am fully invested in Leah Remini’s Scientology show, but until it comes back, I’ve been sucked into Cults & Extreme Beliefs, also on A&E.

So far, they’ve covered NXIVM, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Children of God, and United Nation of Islam. Upcoming episodes will feature the the World Peace and Unification Sanctuary (an offshoot of the Moonies), FLDS, and the Twelve Tribes (“Yellow Deli”).

Loving

After a friend posted a picture of her ban.do necklace in the wake of the death of Anthony Bourdain, I bought myself one. Anxiety has always been a presence in my life so hopefully wearing this necklace will make me more willing to talk about it. Buy your own here! And in other news, I’ve started house hunting in earnest and have my eye on one. Fingers crossed that it all works out.

Traveling

Last month, I traveled to Florida for a professional meeting in Fort Myers but stopped a few places along the way, including Ocala, Crystal River, and St. Petersburg. I brought my mom with me, who spent her afternoons poolside while I was in meetings.

I loved our days swimming with manatees and checking out St. Pete’s restaurants. I also took a short trip to Chattanooga to visit my sister. Next up is a family vacay to Banff and surrounds in Canada. Share any tips you have! This trip will be immediately followed by my 30th birthday (!!!) and another big milestone.

Working

Before I go any further, I want to note that MY BOOK COMES OUT NEXT WEEK! You can pre-order it here and shop in stores on July 15. I’ve also been pitching stories for some new outlets and continued work for Explore Georgia. See what else I’m working on via my Contently profile.