SophieJ Life Experiences

Hi friends, long time no see…

I thought I would stop by before fall officially starts on Tuesday and close out the summer with you in style.

Was I outside like I promised myself I would be?

The answer is YES!!!!

I decided to be financially irresponsible this summer and live my life because, apparently, I could not do both: have the summer of my dreams and be financially responsible. Which is honestly a shame because I am working every day and trying my MF best! For the record, I have been responsible with my spending. For the most part, anyway.

Enough talk about what I cannot afford.

Speaking of which, I recently went to Cancún for a week and came back with millions of memories, an empty wallet, and a drained bank account. Did I have fun forgetting all my problems? Yes. I practiced my Spanish, got tan all over, and enjoyed Mexican culture to the best of my ability while respecting the land, the resources, and, most importantly, the people.

I am very intentional about giving back to communities I benefit from, even on vacation. I am grateful to experience someone else’s land and everything it has to offer.

Maybe that’s also why I have never been particularly big on resorts. I don’t know of many that are locally owned in the countries I’ve had the privilege of visiting, and even outside resorts, so many tourist attractions and experiences aren’t locally owned either. Why should locals get the crumbs while Western corporations get rich off their cultures, land, and resources?

I’m not saying you shouldn’t enjoy a resort. Please enjoy yourself! But since I pride myself on living intentionally, traveling requires that same energy from me. I want to think about where my money is going, who benefits from my presence, and whether I am actually engaging with a place or simply consuming it.

Anyway…

Fall starts Tuesday, and I am not ready yet! I want a few more long days. Maybe I’ll even go to one of the Jersey beaches. I’ve only been a couple of times and haven’t exactly been itching to go back, but honestly? A relaxing beach day sounds like a beautiful way to say goodbye to summer.

I also need fall to come in here and act like it has some sense because last fall TOOK ME THROUGH THERE. Between the hospitalizations and rehab, Fall 2025 did not pass the vibe check, so I am hoping Fall 2026 knows how to behave.

I don’t need much. A nice breeze. Cute outfits. Some nice themed beverages. Peace.

That’s enough for me, honestly.

How exactly do I make sure nothing gets in the way of that? I have no idea. But I want a peaceful fall. I want to go to a winery. I want to go apple picking with fellow adults.

Big girl stuff!

On the other hand, I still want to do social activities (not that I can afford them), so maybe that part-time job needs to hurry up and find me. I’ve been applying, but nothing I can actually do seems to be coming through, especially since I still only have one license and am completing these damn hours!!!!

What a joke.

Three and a half years of undergrad.
Eighteen months of ESL.
Tons of money for my equivalency.
Another year and a half to finish undergrad.
Three years of grad school.
Three years of being supervised.

Yes, Mother, I am exhausted by the mere idea of a PhD program. Sorry to burst your bubble.

So, what are you looking forward to this fall? Money? Love? Better days ahead?

I’m genuinely curious to see what Fall 2026 brings.

Because tomorrow isn’t promised, I try to take full advantage of what I receive now. It might not be much, but it is mine, and I am learning to enjoy what is mine without constantly waiting for life to become something else first.

Speaking of things being mine…

I really want a daughter and a miniature poodle these days. That combination on a Christmas family card would be LETHAL.

And I think I might finally be open for business soon after all these years.

I know one person who will be very happy about that…

Yes. My mother.

Anyway, the Backstreet Boys have been living in my head rent-free for DAYS, and I cannot get them out. LOL.

Happy almost-fall, friends. 🍂

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDw4LpDp2QDDam8MP0Q. …. Join your girl on WhatsAPP friends!