My Five-Week California Adventure: Awards, Google, and Self-Discovery
The excitement I feel right now is absolutely boundless, as I finally get to share some truly incredible news I’ve been eager to reveal! At the close of this month, I’ll be embarking on an epic five-week journey to the Golden State – California! This isn’t just any trip; it’s a multi-faceted adventure packed with professional milestones, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences. From attending prestigious conferences and award ceremonies to exploring vibrant cities and reconnecting with dear friends, this expedition promises to be a pivotal chapter in my life. Get ready, because I’m about to dive into all the thrilling details.
I know what you’re thinking – five weeks in California? You must have a ton of questions, and I’m thrilled to answer every single one of them. This adventure has been months in the making, filled with exciting twists and turns, and I can’t wait to walk you through the itinerary that makes this trip so extraordinary.
The Grand California Adventure Begins: Professional Milestones
My journey to California is driven by a confluence of fantastic opportunities, making it a trip of a lifetime. The first, and perhaps most surprising, reason is a deeply personal and professionally significant one.
A Dream Come True: Nominated for a Photography Award
Imagine scrolling through your inbox, expecting routine emails, when suddenly an email catches your eye with the subject line “Congratulations Finalists!” My initial thought was that it was a generic message sent to all conference attendees. But as I continued to scroll, my heart literally skipped a beat – there was my face! Friends, I have been nominated as a finalist for a best original photography award! This recognition comes from hundreds of exceptional entries, narrowed down to a top three, and to be included among them is an immense honor.
Naturally, my immediate reaction was a mix of disbelief and overwhelming joy. That little voice of self-doubt whispered, “Wait, what? How? Why me?” But my inner self-love quickly responded, “You absolutely deserve this.” It was a powerful moment of affirmation, making me question why I ever doubted my capabilities. To pour so much passion and effort into something, often without the expectation of reward, and then to receive such incredible recognition, is truly an unparalleled feeling. What makes this even more special is that my parents and the Mr. (my wonderful partner) will be joining me for the Awards Ceremony! This prestigious event will take place at the Shiftcon conference on February 3, 2018. The thought of celebrating this milestone with my loved ones by my side fills me with boundless happiness.
Beyond the award ceremony, I am equally thrilled to attend the Shiftcon conference itself. Shiftcon is renowned for bringing together influencers, brands, and thought leaders in the eco-wellness and healthy living space. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn, network, and be inspired by others who share similar passions. While there, I also plan to explore the beautiful Irvine, California area and venture to the stunning shores of Laguna Beach nearby. The combination of professional recognition, educational enrichment, and scenic exploration makes this segment of my trip truly spectacular. If you’ve ever attended Shiftcon before, or if you’re planning to go this year, I would be so grateful if you could cast your vote for my photography submission here! Every vote means the world to me.
Journey to the Googleplex: Mediavine Conference
And if that wasn’t thrilling enough, I’m also headed to GOOGLE! Yes, you read that right – the legendary Googleplex headquarters in Silicon Valley. This still feels surreal. Last year, I had the privilege of attending Mediavine’s inaugural conference in Charleston, South Carolina. It was an immensely valuable experience, connecting with fellow bloggers and gaining insights into growing my platform. This year, Mediavine is taking its conference to an entirely new level by hosting it at the Googleplex – a location that represents the pinnacle of innovation and technology.
Getting a ticket to this exclusive event was quite a journey in itself. Initially, I didn’t secure a spot, which was disheartening. I remember feeling a strong need to pray and accept that perhaps it wasn’t meant to be, trusting that there was a reason for everything. Then, miraculously, I was pulled from the waiting list! The surge of joy was even greater because I had already come to terms with not attending. I immediately purchased my conference ticket and, in a moment of pure elation, performed a happy dance around my living room, much to the amusement of my mom and the Mr. The thought of stepping foot inside Google, friends, is truly mind-blowing.
I am incredibly eager to see the inner workings of Google, to observe its unique culture, and to finally meet my amazing blogging friends in person again! Blogging conferences are an unparalleled experience. Imagine hundreds of individuals, just like you, all gathered in one space – people who truly understand the unique challenges and joys of the blogging world. We’ll have the chance to spend quality time together, embark on impromptu donut runs, and share endless laughter and conversations. These events are not just about learning; they’re about recharging your positive energy, creating lasting connections, and feeling that incredible high-vibe energy boost that sustains me for months. This will be my second conference in a year, and I am beyond excited to double that energy boost! I’ll definitely be sharing updates via social media, and you can expect a detailed post about my Googleplex experience once I return.
San Francisco & Beyond with My Best Friend
Last, but certainly not least, my California adventure includes a truly special week dedicated to spending time with one of my dearest best friends, Kellie. Initially, my plan was to head home after the conferences, but then Kellie, the inspiration behind the delicious “Kellie Cupcakes” I named years ago, expressed her desire to meet up. Without hesitation, I instantly changed my flight plans, and we’ll now be spending a wonderful week together exploring San Francisco! We’ve previously embarked on memorable trips, like attending a Sia concert, so I already know we’re in for an absolute blast. Kellie is also a huge foodie – in fact, she’s the one who first introduced me to quinoa (so you can thank her for all those quinoa-filled posts on my blog!). Expect a plethora of mouth-watering food photos from our adventures.
This dedicated week in San Francisco will allow us to truly immerse ourselves in the city’s unique charm, discover its iconic landmarks, and embrace our inner tourists – perhaps even without fanny packs, unless they come in glitter pink, of course! (I kid, I kid.) From exploring the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf and marveling at the Golden Gate Bridge to wandering through vibrant neighborhoods and indulging in gourmet delights, our time in San Francisco promises to be filled with laughter, delicious food, and cherished memories. It’s a fantastic opportunity to step away from the professional aspects of the trip and simply enjoy the camaraderie of a great friendship in a beautiful city.
Embracing Personal Growth and Solo Exploration
Beyond the incredible professional opportunities and joyful reunions, this trip holds profound personal significance. The time spent between the Shiftcon conference and the Google conference, as well as the segments of solo travel, will be dedicated to truly experiencing California in all its glory.
The Significance of My Longest Journey Away
This journey will mark the longest period I’ve ever spent away from my home country since residing here. Furthermore, it will be my first extended period truly living “on my own.” My life trajectory has been somewhat unique; I transitioned directly from living with my parents to living with the Mr. While I’ve taken solo trips for work or conferences, they’ve never exceeded five days. In fact, that last solo conference trip taught me an immense amount about myself, igniting a desire to experience that level of independence and self-discovery again.
Therefore, for a significant two weeks during this trip, I’ll be completely by myself. I plan to use this precious time for deep self-reflection, to truly get to know myself better, practice self-love, and fully immerse myself in the Californian experience. Of course, I’ll undoubtedly meet new people along the way, and I’ll likely Skype the Mr. daily to share my adventures. It’s going to be an incredibly exciting and transformative period. My primary goal for this solo time is to learn to rely more on my own opinions and instincts, rather than always seeking validation or advice from others. It’s a slightly daunting prospect, but one that fills me with immense anticipation and a sense of empowering liberation.
California Itinerary: From Coastal Beauty to City Vibes
My partner, the Mr., will be joining me for two weeks, allowing us to indulge in extended tourist explorations across various Californian locales. Together, we plan to savor all the local restaurants, embark on countless scenic hikes, and capture the beauty of our surroundings through endless photographs. After his departure, I’m considering a stay in the vibrant area of West Hollywood. The sheer thought of all these diverse experiences fills me with unbelievable excitement, friends! Our complete itinerary is still taking shape, but you can definitely keep up with all our adventures and impromptu explorations by following me on Instagram!
Our plans involve soaking in the diverse landscapes of California, from the stunning coastlines of Laguna Beach and the urban energy of Irvine during Shiftcon, to the innovative spirit of Silicon Valley at Google, and the iconic charm of San Francisco with Kellie. During the two weeks with the Mr., we envision exploring national parks, discovering hidden gems, and indulging in the state’s renowned culinary scene. Imagine sun-kissed mornings spent on hiking trails, followed by evenings filled with delicious food and captivating conversations. My subsequent solo time in West Hollywood will be an opportunity to explore Los Angeles’ cultural heartbeat, visit museums, enjoy the bustling city life, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of some Hollywood magic. This journey is designed to be a blend of structured events and spontaneous discovery, allowing for both professional engagement and deeply personal experiences.
Inspiration for Daring Greatly
Making the decision to step away from my comfort zone for five weeks wasn’t an easy one, but at 26, I firmly believe there is no time like the present to embrace new challenges and opportunities. This conviction was significantly reinforced by a particular book that truly propelled me into taking this “risk” and trying out something entirely new.
A Transformative Read: Brene Brown’s “Daring Greatly”
I simply cannot conclude this post without sharing a profound book recommendation. Reading Daring Greatly by the insightful Brene Brown provided the philosophical backbone for this entire endeavor. Brown’s work on vulnerability, courage, shame, and worthiness deeply resonated with me. It taught me the importance of showing up, being seen, and putting myself out there, even when the outcome is uncertain. The book’s central message — that true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world — gave me the courage to lean into the discomfort of the unknown. It empowered me to embrace this opportunity for solo travel and professional growth, reminding me that true living involves daring to be vulnerable and stepping into the arena, regardless of fear. This trip, in many ways, is my personal act of daring greatly.
Connect With Me in California!
So, that’s the complete rundown of my incredible five-week California adventure! As you can tell, I am brimming with anticipation for every single aspect of this trip. If you happen to live in any of the areas I’ve mentioned – Irvine, Laguna Beach, Silicon Valley, San Francisco, or West Hollywood – please, please, let me know! I would absolutely love to hear your recommendations for must-visit spots, hidden gems, or even your favorite local eateries. In fact, I’m seriously considering organizing a JESSICA IN THE KITCHEN MEETUP in one of these locations. What do you think? Would you be interested in coming out to say hello?
And yes, rest assured, I will absolutely be blogging and sharing updates throughout the entire journey. You won’t miss a single moment of the awards, the Googleplex experience, the foodie adventures with Kellie, or my solo explorations. I am so excited to take you all along for the ride. Till next time, friends!