The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

What Long-Term Family Travel in Europe Was Really Like

Long-term family travel sounds like an extended vacation, but our 110 days in Europe included plenty of ordinary life alongside the adventures.

There were extraordinary adventures (so many of them!!)… but there were also groceries,…

I’m on The Reframe! Talking 110 Days in Europe, Our Budget + More

For anyone curious to hear my voice (or some approximation thereof; does anyone else feel self conscious about hearing their own voice on audio???), I’m on a podcast today!

Earlier this summer, Kathleen Paley invited…

Euro Adventure, Frugality, Guest Post, Podcast, Travel
Aug, 17, 2026
19 Comments

Happy Things Friday: 14 August

We’re at the halfway point in the month and I’ve been getting texts and seeing posts all week from friends in different parts of the world writing about their kids going back to school….

Packing for Long-Term Travel: What Worked for 110 Days in Europe

When I first wrote about our plan to spend months exploring Europe, one detail received some extra attention: the fact that we were each taking a single (small, wheeled) carry-on suitcase and one backpack…

Travel, Ask Me (Almost) Anything, Euro Adventure
Aug, 13, 2026
27 Comments

Do You Have to Stop at the End of a Chapter? + 3 More Questions for Readers

It was SO much fun to read the comment section on my last bookish question post, so I thought I’d conjure up some more questions for my fellow readers!

Here goes!

DO YOU “HAVE” TO STOP…

Reading
Aug, 12, 2026
39 Comments

My Endometrial Ablation Experience: 3.5 Years Later

A few women I know personally are currently considering having an endometrial ablation, and I’ve found myself unexpectedly talking about my endometrial ablation experience a lot in recent weeks.

I’ve written before—at considerable length—about my…

Life
Aug, 11, 2026
33 Comments

Best Things to Do in Helsinki: Family-Friendly Attractions, Hidden Gems + Easy Day Trips

We spent a full month living in Helsinki as a family, which gave us time to experience the city quite differently than we would have during a quick weekend visit (though my brother and…

What Long-Term Family Travel in Europe Was Really Like

I’m on The Reframe! Talking 110 Days in Europe, Our Budget + More

Happy Things Friday: 14 August

Packing for Long-Term Travel: What Worked for 110 Days in Europe

Do You Have to Stop at the End of a Chapter? + 3 More Questions for Readers

My Endometrial Ablation Experience: 3.5 Years Later

Best Things to Do in Helsinki: Family-Friendly Attractions, Hidden Gems + Easy Day Trips

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