Lone Traveler in the Lone Star State

So I am currently in the first few days of a 3 week road trip with one of my closest friends, seeing as much of America as I can before I ship off to China for the summer. But a few weeks before embarking on this adventure I got a huge bite from the travel bug when I visited Austin, TX for a few day (posting better late then never, right?).

I flew south to see if I could see myself going to grad school there, I eventually decided to stay in my beloved Cincinnati.

I was a solo traveler for this trip and I think that was a major reason for why I fell in love with this city. The perk of being a solo traveler is that you get to meet, talk to, and eat with so many more interesting and colorful people. Seriously, you talk to so many people!

The very first person I met while wandering through the UT campus was a grad student that grew up a city next to my hometown of Westlake, Ohio! The world… it’s so small! It seems like no matter how far I am away from home I end up finding someone connected to either Cleveland or Cincinnati… Ohioans rock!

I also had the pleasure of sharing many meals with great strangers, including my fellow Clevelander. But my favorite meal might have to be with this cute gang of young UT students. I shared giant donuts the size of Texas with them (pictures of this wonder plus more on EatChoFood) and spent time sharing my story as they filled me in on theirs. I think I had a sweet spot for them because those four reminded me so much of my freshman year foursome.

Day one was spent chatting with the locals and day two was spent reflecting by the springs. I had the luxury of relaxing all afternoon in the water and drawing in the shade. Not once did I think about studio!

All I have to say is that I love Austin and I learned that all of Austin loves Austin.

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Traveling alone is incredibly refreshing sometimes. It’s a different type of adventure, one where you learn so much about yourself. You develop an incredible sense of independence and an insatiable urge to chat it up with strangers!

Be fearless. Fly solo every once in a while, it’s good for you!

“There’s power in looking silly and not caring that you do.”

Amy Poehler said it, but my brother and I learned this lesson a while ago from the absolute silliest!

So grateful that Cho Momma has always allowed us to be purely who we are, which is just as ridiculous, silly, playful, creative, thoughtful, and kind as she is… well, at least we try.

Wonderful things are a bloomin’

I miss my camera, I wish it was in the same city as me.

I feel like I’m missing an arm.

Such a powerful day! Full of life conversations and inspiration.

I am SO EXCITED by all the ideas that my friends and I have for this simple, yet impacting saying: “I’m cool too, ya know?”

Big things are happening and the amount of potential these 5 words have is amazing. I can’t wait to spread the encouragement and positivity!

So blessed that the universe gifted me with these wonderful ladies!

Whewwww……

Plane ticket for Beijing bought… no turning back now!

Spring Break has sadly come to a close and I believe that Studio Hell Week is fast approaching. A little bit of panic and nervousness has set in… but right now all my ears want to do is de-stress and listen to this…. over and over again.

Hey! Who instagramed me??
Gosh, I love my parents. So Cute.

Is it Christmas??

I came home for spring break last night but it definitely feels like I came home for Christmas break…
I drove in through a snow storm last night and woke up to a back yard covered in a blanket of snow. It just feels so festive in my house! This time warp is messing with my mind!