The Road Les Traveled

I did it. I moved out of my apartment, packed up everything I own, and put it all into storage. In just a little over a week, I’ll be boarding a plane to Mexico, where I’ll live for five months. Even as I write this, it doesn’t quite feel real. I keep asking myself, “What the hell am I doing?” I’m caught somewhere between excitement, nervousness, and straight-up terror.

When I first floated the idea of moving to Mexico, I was just testing the waters—half expecting, maybe even hoping, that my friends and family would talk me out of it. Some of them tried. You know who you are, and I don’t blame you. It’s a bold, maybe even wild idea. But others surprised me. They encouraged me. And eventually, I surprised myself by saying yes.

Because really—why not? You only live once, right? What’s the worst that could happen? I get there, realize it’s not for me, and spend five months in a beautiful part of the world before returning home. If that’s the worst-case scenario, I think I’ll be just fine.

Today was moving day, and everything went smoothly. The movers were on time and managed to work miracles fitting nearly all my belongings into my storage unit—minus a bed, desk, and TV stand. Honestly, I wasn’t too attached to those things anyway. After years of moving, I’ve become a pretty skilled packer, which definitely helped. It feels good to know that even though I don’t currently have a physical home, I still have the pieces of my life waiting for me when I return.

For the next few nights, I’ll be staying with Stacie. I’m grateful to spend this time with her, and my fur-grandbaby, Bonnie. I already miss my family deeply. The thought of being so far away from them sometimes catches me off guard, and doubt creeps in. But when that happens, I try to stay focused on what this journey is about.

Stacie has been my rock through all of this. Even when I’ve been panicked or second-guessing everything, she’s been steady and encouraging—my voice of reason. I’m also so thankful I got to spend time with my granddaughter, Maya Daisy, last weekend. She is such a light in my life. Seeing the Munoz-Simmons clan before I leave was a true gift.

And now, as I sit here without a permanent home, I find myself asking: What is the purpose of this journey? The truth is, I don’t know yet. I just know a huge shift in my life about ten years ago threw me off my axis, and I’ve spent the years since searching for a new sense of home and purpose. Maybe this trip to Mexico is part of that search. Maybe it’s the next chapter in healing and rediscovery. My only hope is this: that I find peace, that I feel love, and that I learn to offer tenderness to the weary parts of me and grace to the places still learning how to heal.

So, here’s to the unknown. To being brave. To taking the leap.

Blessing of the Animals, Olvera Street, Downtown L.A. – My last weekend in L.A. before the big adventure.