2025 #36: HIGHLIGHTS ๐Ÿ—“ | AUGUST PHOTO DUMP ๐Ÿ“ธ

 August Adventures: A Month of Movement, Memories, and Meaning

August swept in like a whirlwind—fast-paced, unpredictable, and full of travel surprises. What started as a month with two major trips on the calendar quickly turned into a back-to-back weekend escape saga. Each journey carried its own rhythm, revelations, and emotional weight, making this month one of the most unforgettable chapters of our year.

๐ŸŽฐ Weekend 1: Las Vegas, Just the Two of Us

The month kicked off with a spontaneous trip to Las Vegas—our first getaway in a long time without our toddler in tow. It felt surreal to travel as a couple again, rediscovering the ease and spontaneity that often gets tucked away in the folds of parenthood. But what was meant to be a lighthearted escape took an unexpected turn. The details deserve their own space, so I’ll save that story for a separate post. Let’s just say it was a reminder that even in the city of bright lights, not everything goes according to plan. Still, we chose to move forward, carrying the lessons with us.

๐ŸŒ Weekend 2: Shanghai – Our First International Trip Together

The second weekend was the one we had been eagerly anticipating for months—our first international trip as a couple. We flew to Shanghai to attend the wedding reception of one of my husband's close friends, and the experience was nothing short of eye-opening. Shanghai introduced us to a different side of Asia: fast-paced, vibrant, and unapologetically ambitious. The energy of the city was infectious, and the food scene was a delightful adventure in itself. Uber rides were surprisingly affordable, but baby clothes? Not so much! I’ll be diving deeper into this trip in a separate blog post, because it truly deserves its own spotlight.

๐ŸŽฒ Weekend 3: Las Vegas, Take Two

Just days after returning from Shanghai, we found ourselves back in Las Vegas—this time with a mission to rewrite the narrative. Our previous visit had left a bitter taste, but this second trip was everything we had hoped for and more. It felt like the universe gave us a do-over, and we embraced it fully. From the shows to the spontaneous moments, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that reminded us why we love to travel in the first place.

๐Ÿง  Beneath the Surface: A Quiet Struggle Amid the Travels

While my body was constantly in motion this August—boarding flights, exploring new cities, and smiling for photos—my mind was quietly unraveling. Behind the excitement of travel and the curated snapshots of joy, my mental health was steadily declining. It reached a point where I knew I couldn’t keep pretending everything was fine. So I took a brave step: I sought help and opened up to someone about the anxiety that’s been weighing me down and the depressive thoughts I’ve been silently battling.

From the outside, I might seem like I’m thriving—enjoying life, embracing new experiences, and keeping it all together. But beneath that surface, I’ve been carrying a heavy load. There are unresolved issues from my parents that continue to affect me, health concerns that I’ve been trying to manage quietly, and the overwhelming pressure that comes with being a mom. It’s not just one thing—it’s a tangled web of emotional burdens that I’ve been trying to navigate alone.

The truth is, I know I’m not okay. And the hardest part is not knowing where to begin. Healing feels like a distant shore, and I’m still trying to figure out how to build the boat that will get me there. But acknowledging this pain, saying it out loud, and seeking support—that’s a start. And maybe, just maybe, that’s enough for now.

August was a month of movement—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It tested our flexibility, deepened our bond, and gifted us stories we’ll be telling for years. Stay tuned for the detailed posts on our Shanghai adventure and the unexpected Vegas twist. If this month taught me anything, it’s that sometimes the best journeys are the ones that surprise you. 


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