This was my first year of not being able to celebrate Easter with my family. No egg-dyeing, no bunny cake baking, no sunrise service.

Yet, this Easter was one for the books.

Church was lovely and I enjoyed dressing up for it! I’ve certainly noticed that as I have lost weight and toned up, my sense of style has been revived. Without even realizing it, I was filling my closet with clothes that were formless and brought the least amount of attention to me and the body I wanted to hide.

So, with the confidence that comes with self-discipline and proving to yourself what you are capable of, I bought and wore a beautiful floral dress that made me feel more striking and feminine than I have in ages.

That evening, I was able to share Easter dinner with a group from church! One of the pastors and his wife opened up their home and were sweet enough to invite me to join them!

I was surrounded by people of different ages, ethnic groups, and backgrounds, but didn’t feel out of place for a moment. We ate, drank, and couldn’t help but be merry among the company we found ourselves in.

Monday, I made plans for my birthday coming up on the 21st!

I don’t know if there’s a difference between 22 and 23, but something about 23 sounds just a little more mature, a little more learned, to me. Maybe it’s just because there isn’t a Taylor Swift song tied to it.

Are you wondering where I am going? Folks, I’m going to Los Angeles!

Me, Myself, and I reserved an adorable Airbnb and am eagerly looking forward to exploring the City of Angels!

This is the view from the Airbnb backyard. 13 days away, but who’s counting?

Saturday morning, I weighed in and I officially have lost 6.4 pounds in one month of working with Noah (my nutritionist) and beginning CrossFit again! This may not sound like a whole lot, but mind you, I’ve also been building muscle. I can see a difference, others can see a difference, but most of all, I know I’m doing good things for my body.

That evening, a group from work and I ate dinner at The Stinking Rose: A Garlic Restaurant, which is in the North Beach area. Trust me, it’s as quirky as it sounds. When I called to make a reservation, the recorded message was in a Dracula accent. Not kidding.

We ordered their most popular appetizer: garlic roasted in a bath of olive oil. The cloves were so soft, they spread across the bread they provided. Paired with a dollop of the Rose Relish, a condiment for those that just hadn’t had enough garlic, it was quite yummy!

I ordered a bowl called Zuppa Di Pesce, which is basically ALL the seafood in a tomato-based broth. I’m talking mussels, clams, fish, squid, crab, the works! I do not mess around when it comes to my seafood.

(P.S. It says “GARLIC” behind us. They had a theme and they ran with it.)

I only got a few pictures because I was having such a fun time with the group!

I do my very best to not let my “solo-ness” inhibit me from exploring and trying new things. I want to take advantage of this season of traveling and take it for all it’s worth. By exploring solo, I enjoy the fact that I’m able to go at my own pace and go places without making sure another person or people are having a good time too.

Yet, nights like Saturday night made me appreciate being able to experience something new with other people. Being able to talk and laugh just added icing to the moment and it turned from a story to a memory. Saturday night, I was glad I wasn’t by myself.