I’ve been thinking a lot about routine lately. About how it gets a bad wrap. Routines aren’t really cool or sexy. And often people feel old or boring when they stick to a one. I think uprooting and moving across the country gave me a good perspective on this. My routine was out of whack for a while and I feel like I’ve finally settled into one in the last 6 months. And I feel so. much. better. So I’ve been reflecting on why that is when routine is so lame.

If you haven’t noticed already, I’m very fair skinned. No, seriously, verrrry fair. Living in San Francisco hasn’t helped the situation either. It’s always warm enough to be nice out but almost never warm enough to wear a tank top, let alone a bathing suit. Most of my skin hasn’t seen the sun since we moved here over two years ago.

In North Carolina there are what Xan and I like to call “natural attractions” all around. When we lived there we were just 3 hours away from North Carolina’s beautiful beaches with warm water nearly all year round. Taking a dip there is almost never out of the question unlike the chilly waters and rocky coastlines of the Pacific. Then there are the mountains. Xan and I both went to a college nestled in the Appalachians where you were never more than 10 minutes away from hiking, camping, swimming holes, and waterfalls. Fresh air and green leaves were a part of every day life. And that’s one of the things I miss the most about living in NC. San Francisco has so many amazing qualities, but without a car the natural attractions can be harder to get to. Nine times out of ten not owning a car isn’t a problem. About the only time I truly wish we had one is for quick trips out of the city to get into nature. That’s why I was so excited to discover Mount Sutro! It’s a small mountain in the middle of the city mostly known for it’s huge TV tower. But, it’s also this amazing forest with a slew of hiking trails. It’s lush and green and quiet. It’s a hidden gem I can hardly believe is actually in the city. When you’re there you feel like there’s nobody else around, even though just steps away San Francisco is bustling along as usual.