Miami!

beinvenidos à Miami! 

We made it! 2018 family reunion in Miami Beach/south beach to visit N’s family. I have never been here and so far (day 2) has been really great. N’s family lives here and we got an Airbnb right on the canal.  

here is the view: 

No filter needed. It’s so gorgeous and a perfect place to write and do yoga. Of course we brought the baby and she has been so good. She was such an awesome baby on the plane. Never cried but moved a lot - my arms today are feeling very sore and tired. Luckily, there are a bunch of extra family members around to help. Right now I’m typing this as she naps before we head to the beach.  

last night we had dinner on Ocean Drive at News Cafe before going to an art show at the Art Deco museum. The art show was very colorful and bright just how I pictured Miami would be. On ocean drive they had a bunch of restaurants and clubs that I wouldn’t mind going back to. The cousins said there were so pool parties (damnit i should have worked out more before I left!)

here are some shots of ocean dr: 

I can’t wait to go to the beach! I wish I had brought a book like my favorit well worn copy of Tom Wolfe’s The Electric Koolaid Acid Test. One on my favorite books of all time and a great travel read (literally that book has been everywhere with me). I’m sure Ari will keep me entertained. This will be her first real time on a beach. We went to San Gregorio beach last year in California but she couldn’t even walk yet. This time she can run and play in the sand. It’s just a 10 minute walk to the water (if she ever wakes up from her nap haha). 

Being here has made N and I both contemplate our perspective on our lives back home. We were talking over tea this morning that we need to really put more effort into being a team that is successful. In south beach the success is right in your face with the fancy cars and giant beach houses. I’m not ungrateful for what we have but I want to give Ari the best possible life. We want more stability and there’s nothing wrong with that.  We get complacent with our lives in Austin sometimes and being here makes me want to grow more as a writer/novelist and parent. It inspires me to break free of the perceived restraints of living in Austin and make a name for myself with something I’m passionate about. It reminds me of when I go home to Houston and everyone has a hustle. I turn 31 this year and feel like I should be making strides to solidify the future that I envision and dream about.

For now I’m just watching Ari sleep and dreaming about tel water and a cocktail. More trip updates to come!