Category: Uncategorized

April 30,by Cassandra Johnson

I deferred to Starbucks at first and Starbucks can be easy because it is set up to a certain ambience and convenience but I also like if I can get the same convenience and comfort at a local coffee shop (I like cafe mocha and hot chocolate especially-shameless aside: I got that convenience today when I started my day at “The Coffee Legacy”, instead, right across the street from Starbucks. (They know what they’re doing with that location.

I was unfortunately not getting the most excitable vibes from my first neighborhood experience here in Guadalajara so I am so happy that I stumbled across a nicer more welcoming picturesque neighborhood, more like Merida today, doing more of what I like and more of what I am used to and it makes sense that it was going past a cute little local bookstore, major parks, a commercial center, Asian restaurants, Mexican restaurants and American restaurants. I feel so much more satiated today and a lot of it has to do with the combination of being more welcomed, being accepted, and being appreciated for my differences and the joy of getting to be a guest here. I have many pictures to share but deferring to yesterday’s explanation, due to my computer problems, I am going to stop here and let you know again how much I appreciate you letting me share with you.

December 31 by Cassandra Johnson (Merida, MX)

You have accomplished a lot and/or been through a lot even to get to this point. Think about it. Life is no easy task. Even if certain parts came easy or without struggle, remaining happy and true to yourself are not always easily prescribed. They don’t always coincide.

I had to ask myself, why not try something new and different, simultaneously noting that different is really more in step with what I imagined my everyday life could be. I am not satisfied with every option or circumstance but bad or good, the steps have informed me about my preferences and even my own power.

Traveling at my own pace for as long as I would like: (How relieved and pleased I was that I did not have to buy an onward ticket when I landed here in Merida). This is the way for the immediate future as it was transitioning from DC to PR. Though I have limitations, this way is so much more indicative of my potential freedom.

Officially making it to the city I was picturing, I hope to also be landing in Oaxaca, Guadalajara (and now Tequila- as added per suggestion), I am now at home in my movement (see prior post) ultimately planning to make it back to Peru (as duly noted – considering my affinity and memories there).

I am following a winding path and why not.

Here’s our chance to find out (after all, we know life can be challenging and we know we can get past difficulty). We will always have a chance of not getting it right. We also have a chance of getting closer to what is right for us.

October 31, 2023 by Cassandra Johnson

Well, that’s life. About October 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, I was feeling pretty optimistic. I was determined not to let the month get away from me. I did a lot but there were still moments that seem to daunt me. Yet, what else could I do and let’s be real, what else did I want to do.

Still I realize all the preparation and busy work of cleaning up, selling, storing and adjusting were also a distraction of how I really will miss DC as well. Having lived there since 2006 and even this last place since 2014 really struck me as I walked out of the echoing rooms and into the lobby to hand in my keys. From surreal to real but then again, there is also this:

I’ll be right back after the flight lands.

OCTOBER 31, 2021 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

I will be back soon with more details about not knowing what to expect next. Suddenly my efforts to acquire freelance translations are not so much needed as I need more time to finish the work I am receiving. Again, a time where one must say, it is a good problem to have. However, I do look forward to sharing more and therefore need to carve out more time.

Fortunately, I have had the chance to continue teaching students English and to spend a lot of time messaging (when I can) and very much chatting with friends and family, because I’m more convinced than ever that life is really more worth the time I get to be in good company with those in person or otherwise who reciprocate my feelings. That is an appreciation note for you too.

There are times when you realize you are not appreciated. There are times when you realize you are not seen. You cannot always help this between obligations and attempts to participate in your life and we go through it in healthy or productive ways or not so much.

Perhaps it can be taken in stride and there is acceptance dealing with the scars and we survive and/or thrive. All emotions are natural. From time to time, we just do not care.

As my free time gets shorter, I just venture to say there are many times when the opposite is true and I dare to think we are a lot better at knowing who we support and who supports us. I want to look up in between my efforts and when my days are done and keep them in mind.

OCTOBER 30, 2021 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

I was putting myself out there, doing something I would not normally do, although I like taking risks in other areas of my life. I was taking a risk with someone who likes me (or did previously, or perhaps just thinks they do.) I think I could be wrong about any of that now and I’m more so use to dealing with being the one approached whether there is chemistry or unfortunately no chemistry. For this moment, however, I thought I just needed to be more open so the person would also know it was okay to be more open with me.

I was not going to judge if either of us was awkward. I have been smooth in enough situations. I  was not going to care if either of us did not know exactly what to say next – not because I was in some hurry to be such an evolved person but because sometimes when we play it too safe, we miss out on the fun experiences, simply just trying not look stupid in front of other people.

So we shall see. I usually try to avoid this risk where you are more out of control, where more of people’s reactions and your feelings are involved but on the flip side, if the feelings are matched and you get a true connection, the outcome is always more rewarding than just connecting to things. I run the risk of being hurt but doing nothing often feels a lot like not participating in potential as well.

This kind of reminds me of sandboarding for the first time. Sometimes, personal risks are easier. I know there was someone giving us instructions and advising us to be careful in certain ways but as a new leap, there is no being able to prepare for what the experience feels like. You are in a moment alone. You are in a decision alone and there no going back once you hit the momentum as I did, jetting down the sand dune.

Before a step, you have a chance to opt out. You have a chance to play it safe and change your mind.

I’m glad I didn’t. The first time when a flicker or a great deal of excitement strikes you at the idea of doing something or you feel like interestingly responding to someone special, you’re better off entertaining the thought, even if it takes you a while get there.

…

JULY 31, 2021 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

As I am also now thinking to the future, I do want to be financially savvy and per my previous intro, I am currently setting price alerts to San Juan and Cusco.

If anyone knows how to navigate flight mile rewards and/or credit card travel perks, please do let me know. I am not even close to mastering the deals. I am just sticking to my usual tips of what days and times are the best for scheduling a trip and how many days out you need to schedule in advance. I think Tuesday works but may change or fluctuate at the time of this writing. I also think I have found a good deal in the wee hours of my current eastern standard time but do not quote me on that either.

This alone is pretty advanced knowledge for me because I do not know how soon I will end up wanting to get abroad. Still, is it just my imagination or does it seem like the rates get pretty locked in once you have done one Google, airline, or booking site search.

Yet, randomly, I will come back and play around with some dates and get lucky or just, hurry, lock in the rates before they raise my options. I am not committed yet. Thinking aloud and looking forward to planning to not have plans.