5 Memorable Adventures in 2025!

MILESTONES

RETIRE

2025 has certainly been an adventurous one. I knew that this was the year I planned on retiring from my job of almost 6 years. Regardless of the circumstances of our economy or political upheaval, (what’s new? ), I would retire. But as 2025 arrived, I wanted to make sure this was the year filled with adventure! 

I chose to leave on July 1st, and that it would be a great time to take off and travel. My job was fulfilling for the most part. I made some impact as a college admissions coordinator. I helped many prospective pharmacy students navigate their career paths. They entered into a world-class PharmD program as future pharmacists. This I will never forget. 

TRAVEL 

Travel is my current relationship. My fellow solo traveler, a sense of discovery leads me to live independently. It helps me to make the best of my situation. Upon retiring, I stepped on to a plane to fly across the Atlantic for my first visit to London! 

London has always been on my list of travel destinations. I’ve seen London in movie backdrops. Examples include Notting Hill, Love Actually, and Jason Bourne movie series. These are just a few examples. When I arrived, I was determined to attend the world-famous Wimbledon tennis tournament. Every other adventure was a bonus. As my first trip across the pond is the tip of the iceberg. I enjoyed trying fish and chips, a pint of beer, and discovering different neighborhoods of London. I definitely will come back. The experience was magical and a clean break into retirement living.

Next up was heading back home to Hawaii to see family and friends. I made it a quiet return home. I didn’t really announce my retirement. Still, I did go to celebrate my mother’s birthday. She’s looking good at her age. Additionally, I got a chance to play some tennis with friends to help loosen up swings. It’s been awhile since I picked up a racket. I was rusty, but I’m glad I managed to hit a few balls. I spent time with family. I also cared for myself during a solo travel to a neighboring island of Hawaii. I flew over to Kona, Hawaii. It was so relaxing. You surround yourself with everyone else to celebrate life. Yet, you forget to do self-care, which I did. It was worth it. This practice is something I’ve applied over the years. When heading back home with family, you need time for yourself before returning to San Francisco. This side trip was just the ticket. 

As I settled in to this new thing called retirement, I had this slight urgency to take off again. This time, I chose a couple of iconic Mexican beach resorts, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. These two are my favorites. I went during a “shoulder” season or soft, less touristy time to go. It definitely paid off. The beaches and the weather were highlights. A quiet time to just breathe and be with nature was memorable. Definitely, the people, food, and culture were highlights of going back to Mexico time after time. 

Earlier this year, I traveled to New York City to celebrate my birthday, as well as later in the fall. When I became single again, I decided to take off to somewhere I’ve always wanted to go back to. When I was with a partner who was from the east coast, the craving was moot. I was thirsty to learn more about that part of my country, the east! Since 2019, I’ve been going back every year. I explored the city and tasted various foods. I saw the sights and really took in the history of this part of the United States. 

ACTIVE PARTICIPATION  

Even before I retired, I’ve been active in volunteerism and social causes that are dear to me to this day. I don’t think I’ll stop helping where I can in many causes. One in particular is AIDS Walk. I do it to raise money for health care services with people living with HIV AIDS. Over the years, I’ve helped raise over $25,0000 for this this cause. It’s a reminder of some of the friends I’ve lost to AIDS. I’m the few that’s left. A whole generation seemed to have been wiped out from this disease that doesn’t have a cure, but we continue. Hopefully in my lifetime, I’ll see a cure. 

San Francisco Pride and Celebration has been an event I joined over the last couple of years. I had the chance to join. I’ve participated through my work, employer. Marching proudly this second year in a row has brought me immense joy. It has been a highlight at the start of summer. It allows me to celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community in our city. I also come together with others who proudly celebrate pride. So proud!   

MEMORABLE EVENTS 

Going to San Francisco Giants baseball game is always a draw for me. This past year, I’ve attended close to half a dozen games. More interestingly this year, I’ve had friends visit from out of town to enjoy watching this American past time. The setting, field view, players, and overall energy in watching this sport is so uplifting.  

The annual tennis tournament, Laver Cup arrived this year in San Francisco. The website states, “The Laver Cup features six of the best men’s tennis players from Europe. They compete against six of their counterparts from the rest of the world.” The competition spans three days of intense team matches. I did not get a chance to see a match. Yet, I was able to watching one of their practice sessions. I’ve always been a sports spectator as well as a lifelong tennis player myself. It was great to see the players in person.  

Finally, I haven’t been running as much these days. Still, I’ve had the chance to run a 5k Diplo Run at Golden Gate Park. It was telling, I knew I needed to have had more training to at least run a 3 mile run. I finished, but have been better. This run is part energetic running. It includes post-partying after a run. After the run ends, it is filled with club music to continue. I hope 2026 will be better for to compete in a longer run. 

SIDE HUSTLE 

When I retired, I didn’t want to just stop working completely. I wanted to test other things that keep me busy. I was also interested in discovering new things to do. This allow me to choose my hours then the usual day to day grind of 9-5. Once particular work was to be part of the Dreamforce Conference held in San Francisco. It’s part of Salesforce’s effort. The aim is to bring end users to the City. They can learn about the many products that the company offers. My role in this 3 day+ conference was to be a greeter. I directed attendees to various conference locations. It was very customer service oriented and I enjoyed doing it. Lots of standing but it was worthwhile in be part of this amazing yearly conference. 

One other event, I was tapped to help ring in the holiday season is the San Francisco Winter Walk event. It’s a 12-day celebration that transforms two blocks of Stockton Street into a festive holiday destination. I was one of half a dozen workers. I helped keep the event running smoothly with various happenings during those days. I helped take photos for people wanting to pictured with Santa Claus, or Snow Queen performers. We keep the area tidy during event and answered  any questions attendees have about the event. I hope I get to be asked back to this amazing event. 

Let’s see what 2026 brings! Happy New Year!