The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

Never Have I Ever…Part 5

Over a month ago I wrote up and scheduled Part 5 of my little blog series on Never Have I Ever for this week! Hilariously, the Best of Both Worlds podcast released a Never…

Never Have I Ever, Personality Insights, Random
Mar, 27, 2025
49 Comments

Today I’m Talking Gratitude…over at The Frugal Girl Blog + Walking Club

Months ago, when Kristen and I first started chatting about blog swapping (here’s my guest post and her guest post), she suggested the idea of having me write a follow-up guest post about gratitude…

Paris Days 5–6: Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle and Visiting the Mona Lisa at the Louvre

Before we knew it, another day had dawned!

Day Five (Thursday)

It was another early morning.

We had tickets for Notre-Dame de Paris at 9:30 am. Entry is free, but you can book skip-the-line tickets online two days…

Paris, Travel
Mar, 25, 2025
37 Comments

Paris Days 3–4: Disneyland Paris, Nicolas Flamel, and the Paris Catacombs

Let the travel recaps continue!

Day Three (Tuesday)

Tuesday morning at our apartment wasn’t the high point of our trip. We had a big surprise in store for the kids, but we didn’t want to spoil…

Paris, Travel
Mar, 24, 2025
33 Comments

We’re back home and, as usual, the first week after a vacation feels like a blur of catching up, re-adjusting to “normal” life, and making plans for upcoming events (which somehow got forgotten during…

Paris Days 1–2: Arc de Triomphe Views, Montmartre Steps, and the Eiffel Tower at Night

I’m back! Here in this online space…and in Canada.

Late Tuesday evening our family returned from an unforgettable spring break trip to Paris. I’m happy to report that it exceeded our expectations!

I’m always aware that…

Paris, Travel
Mar, 20, 2025
46 Comments

Unplugging + April Walking Club

Phew. This winter has worn me out. I’m going to take a little break from the internet, so there will be a pause in posting (and commenting) for a few weeks. I’m looking forward…