As we prepare to cross over into the next exciting chapter of scouting—joining the Boy Scouts—our final Cub Scout camping trip was one for the books. We spent an unforgettable weekend at Desa Laguna, a peaceful eco-resort nestled in Indonesia’s Thousand Islands. This trip was more than just an adventure—it was a celebration of everything we’ve learned and shared as Cub Scouts.
The Journey Begins
Our adventure started early Saturday morning as we departed from Ancol Marina at 7:30 AM. Riding a slightly aged but comfortable speed boat equipped with air conditioning and life jackets for everyone, we enjoyed a scenic 90-minute ride to the island. Upon arrival at Desa Laguna, we were warmly welcomed with cold drinks and sandwiches—exactly what we needed to kick off the day.
Island Life & Eco Living
Desa Laguna immediately impressed us with its commitment to sustainability. We learned that while fresh water is brought in for showers, saltwater is used for flushing toilets. The island has no air conditioning, but the ocean breeze and thoughtful layout made the heat bearable.
Accommodations varied: some scouts stayed in cozy bungalows, others in stylish ‘glamping’ tents, and a few brave souls in dome tents under the stars. Despite the range of setups, everyone settled in quickly—and the fun began.
Scouting Adventures
Older scouts got busy working toward their Citizenship, Paddlecraft, and Fire Safety badges, while the younger scouts focused on Whittling and Knife Safety. At night, they gazed in awe at the moon and constellations dotting the clear island sky.
Meanwhile, the Boy Scouts—already preparing for more independence—set up their own tents and cooked their own meals, learning essential outdoor skills.
We all joined forces to take part in a meaningful service project, planting coral and mangrove trees and cleaning up the beach. We also snorkeled in crystal-clear waters, tried our luck at fishing, and ended the night around a glowing campfire, roasting marshmallows for classic s’mores.
Meals, Moments, and Memories
All meals were served on the breezy outdoor deck, lovingly prepared with both local and Western flavors. Vegetarian options were available, and the food was fresh, flavorful, and filling. Coffee, tea, water, and juice were included, with cold soft drinks available for purchase.
Though there’s no A/C on the island, the “lounge” area—where Wi-Fi is available—became a communal space for cooling off, relaxing, and sharing stories. Bungalows had electrical outlets for fans and phone charging, adding a little modern comfort to our rustic adventure.
Planning Your Own Island Adventure
If you’re inspired to visit Desa Laguna yourself, the resort can host up to 55 guests. For around 2–2.5 juta IDR per person, you’ll get lodging, meals, drinks, and activities all included. We were lucky enough to reserve the entire island for our group, but if you’re visiting with a smaller crowd, you may share the dining area with other guests.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
As the sun set on our final day, we gathered one last time as Cub Scouts—full of sand, laughter, and a little nostalgia. Desa Laguna gave us more than a destination; it gave us memories we’ll carry into our next scouting journey.
Here’s to new adventures, new badges, and the next big step as we bridge over to the Boy Scouts.
This year, I had the pleasure of organizing a one-of-a-kind Administrative Professionals Day networking event—with a glamorous twist of mystery and intrigue! Inspired by Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, we hosted a themed celebration that transported our hardworking admin professionals straight onto the luxurious rails of the famous train (minus the murder, of course!).
To get into the spirit, I revisited the 2017 film directed by Kenneth Branagh and soaked up every clue from the audiobook—beautifully narrated by Dan Stevens on Spotify. These helped shape the tone and aesthetic of the event: stylish, suspenseful, and just a little bit cheeky.
Invitations: First-Class Tickets to a Mystery
I designed invitations that combined elements from the original book cover and a map of the Orient Express route. In the interest of workplace friendliness, the word “murder” was swapped with “mystery”—a small edit that kept things fun and appropriate.
Decor: Champagne, Crystal, and Clues
Our setting evoked the refined charm of 1930s rail travel. Think: champagne flutes, white gloves, pearls, and vintage-style crystal glasses. Mustache props, paper magnifying glasses, and fingerprint graphics added a playful layer of sleuthing fun.
A Potluck with a European Twist
In true team spirit, our event was a potluck. For my contribution, I leaned into flavors from the regions the Orient Express might pass through:
Hummus and Shopska Salad (a fresh and tangy Balkan dish)
Pita Bread & Simit – Turkish sesame-covered bagels that were a big hit
Apple Cardamom Muffins – served with little mustache-topped toothpicks for a detective-worthy garnish
Apricot Kolachke Cookies – a sweet nod to Eastern Europe
It was a delicious spread that perfectly complemented the event’s international flair.
A Celebration to Remember
Organizing this event was a creative joy, and seeing everyone get into the theme made it even more rewarding. Administrative professionals are the engines that keep everything running—so what better way to honor them than with a first-class journey full of elegance, fun, and just a hint of mystery?
March is always a whirlwind for us—and this year was no exception.
Jackson turns 11!
We kicked off the month with a magical celebration: Jackson’s birthday! This year, he chose a Harry Potter-themed escape room, and it did not disappoint. The kids gathered at our place in the morning and we took a hired bus to the venue. It was so much fun having all the kids together in the bus – sharing snacks, excitement building. When we arrived, we locked up our phones (so no pictures!) and we began our adventure. Wands were waved, spells were cast, and puzzles were solved. After escaping Hogwarts just in time, we headed home for pizza and birthday cake. I’m ready for the birthday parties to get a bit smaller and more intimate, and this was perfect.
Not long after, Indonesia entered the sacred and festive time of Idul Fitri. I wanted to do something meaningful for my colleagues who were fasting, so I put together Buka Puasa boxes for them to enjoy as they broke their fasts. I filled little boxes with dates, dried apricots, roasted almonds, banana muffins, and almond crescent cookies. It was a small gesture, but one filled with gratitude and respect for the beautiful diversity of traditions here. Sharing food has a way of bridging cultures—and it’s always one of my favorite parts of living in Indonesia.
Wandering Wonders: Our Cambodian Adventure
After a busy March filled with birthday celebrations and local traditions, we capped it off with something truly unforgettable—a journey to Cambodia.
Our travel got off to a bumpy start. I booked the trip at the last minute. There were no direct flights available, so we had a layover in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The originating flight was delayed in taking off, so we missed our connection. There were no other flights out the same day, so we had to stay overnight and try again the next morning. The airport shuttle did not show up, so I had to download the Grab app and take a Grab taxi to the hotel. In the morning, we were to head back to the airport. Unfortunately, the shuttle driver was late and still had to stop at another hotel before taking us to the airport. I had a meltdown on the bus, worried that we would miss the next flight as well. The driver drove like a madman around Kuala Lumpur and got us to the airport on time! We had intended to overnight in Phnom Penh and take a car from the hotel. I reorganized everything, cancelled the hotel, and asked that the driver meet us at the airport. He did, but because it was now Sunday around noon, the traffic was much worse than originally scheduled. What was supposed to be a 5.5 hour drive took us over 7 hours. Luckily, we stopped at a 7-11, and stocked up on some road snacks! (and we did stop halfway at a ‘rest stop’ with ‘Western’ toilets.)
We FINALLY arrived in Siem Reap—the gateway to Angkor Wat and the heart of Cambodia’s ancient Khmer Empire.
We stayed at a boutique hotel called Jaya House River Park. After the very long journey to get to Siem Reap, the warm welcome at the hotel was just what we needed. The cold towels at reception hit the spot. As we checked in, I was offered a ginger mojito and Jackson requested a Shirley Temple. (after describing the drink, they made one just for him!) We loved our stay at this hotel.
We started out with a photography tour to build up some skills to capture our best photographs. We started at the Bayon temple and ended at Ta Prohm (yes, the one made famous by Tomb Raider). We then went to the Apopo museum to learn about how rats are used to find undetonated landmines.
We made the mistake of going to see Angkor Wat in the afternoon. It was now the first of April and while the sun on the temple gave it a magical golden glow, the sun on us was just too much. In the olden days, elephants were used to carry visitors the distance to the temple. Elephants are no longer used, and there are no other options but to walk 45 minutes to the temple in the blazing sun. It was really hard to appreciate where we were, when we were actively trying not to pass out. The entire Angkor complex is enormous and awe-inspiring—we wandered through crumbling corridors, peered up at intricate carvings, and then needed to make our way back to the car. Once in the car, we went directly to the hotel to rest. Upon our return, the manager noticed that Jackson was miserable and in tears. He offered to bring him another Shirley Temple! I agreed, and it really made an impression on Jackson how kind the people of Cambodia are.
Over the next few days, we avoided the temples in the afternoon, and instead went swimming at the hotel pool, went out for gelato, and did some souvenir shopping.
Before we knew it, it was time to head back to Indonesia. We returned with tired feet and full hearts. Cambodia gave us more than just beautiful photos—it gave us perspective, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the history and resilience of this incredible region. If you’ve ever considered exploring Cambodia—go. It’s not just a trip; it’s an experience that will stay with you long after the passport stamps fade.
March reminded me of just how full life can be when you embrace it—celebrating the big moments, honoring the meaningful ones, and always staying curious about the world beyond your doorstep.
Here’s to the chaos, the connection, and the cake.
One of the unexpected joys of living in Indonesia has been discovering the art—and adventure—of custom furniture making. There’s something incredibly special about watching an idea evolve from a sketch in your mind into a beautiful, functional piece that perfectly fits your space and style.
I’ve found a local carpenter whose work is nothing short of amazing. He has a true talent for taking my Pinterest-level visions and turning them into handcrafted reality. The process is simple, collaborative, and honestly, kind of fun.
It all starts with a few reference photos and some rough dimensions. I send him images of what I’m envisioning—sometimes a mix of different styles or features from various pieces—and he takes it from there. He makes a visit to my home to see exactly where the piece will go, taking detailed measurements and assessing the space.
Then comes the creative part: What style of leg do I want? How much overhang on top? What style of drawer pull? He shows me samples of wood stains, we talk through finishes, and he sketches everything out. His drawings bring the concept to life, and once I give the thumbs up, he sends over a quote. A few weeks later, he’s at my door, delivering a one-of-a-kind piece made just for me.
My latest creation? A stunning custom chest—and I absolutely love it. It’s exactly what I hoped for, and more. The craftsmanship, the personalized details, the way it fits just right in my home—this piece isn’t just furniture; it’s a little slice of art that reflects my taste and lifestyle.
Having furniture made in Indonesia is more than just a design decision; it’s an experience. It’s personal, it’s practical, and it’s deeply satisfying. Whether you’re furnishing a new space or adding a signature piece to your collection, there’s nothing quite like seeing your vision built from the ground up.
If you ever find yourself in Indonesia, don’t miss the chance to create something unique with the help of local artisans. Trust me—it’s worth it.
This Christmas was anything but ordinary—and somehow, that made it all the more memorable.
It started early this year. Really early. I kicked off the season back in January when I began a batch of homemade vanilla, destined to become part of my office holiday gifts. As Christmas approached, I baked dozens of cookies for my colleagues—my kitchen looked like a full-blown cookie factory by mid-December. The tree was up, stockings were hung, and our bags were (mostly) packed for the 30-hour trek back to the U.S. to see our family.
Since Jackson spends Christmas Day with his dad, we usually celebrate when we return home. But this year, we decided to celebrate before we left. Let’s just say… we won’t be doing that again. Jackson was so excited he could hardly contain himself—and absolutely couldn’t sleep. He spent most of the night trying to drag me out of bed to open gifts. I told him I wouldn’t budge until the sun came up, so he literally stood at the window, keeping watch for daylight. Cute? Yes. Exhausting? Also yes.
After a very long (but thankfully uneventful) journey, we landed in South Carolina. Jackson headed off to enjoy the holidays with his dad, and I shifted gears to family time. My dad was recovering in rehab after breaking his hip, and though he wasn’t up for visitors beyond a quick hello, he encouraged me to spend time with Aunt Darlene. That’s when the next adventure began.
Aunt Darlene and I made plans to see The Nutcracker at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh—a magical treat that we hadn’t experienced together in years. I stopped in to wish Dad a Merry Christmas, then drove to North Carolina to pick up Aunt Darlene. From there, she took the wheel, and off to Pittsburgh we went!
We met up with my dear friend Missy, who had never seen The Nutcracker before. The performance was lovely—though after so much driving, a few of us may have caught a quick nap during the quieter moments! After a few hugs and goodbyes, Missy dashed off to her evening plans, and Aunt Darlene and I headed across the river for dinner at The Melting Pot. We shared a cozy fondue meal with my oldest son and daughter-in-law—too short, but so sweet.
Before wrapping up our whirlwind Christmas tour, we squeezed in visits with both of my brothers and their families. Then, it was time to head south again—though not without one more stop. Aunt Darlene had a Global Entry appointment in Norfolk, so we took care of that en route.
I made it back to South Carolina just in time to ring in the New Year with my dad. The perfect ending? Finally cutting through enough red tape to bring his beloved dog in for a visit. The moment they saw each other was pure joy—his face lit up in a way only a pup can inspire.
This Christmas wasn’t polished or perfect. It was a patchwork of plans, travel, family, and flexibility. But it was real, it was full of love, and it reminded me that sometimes, the best memories come from the unexpected.
Here’s to a new year of more adventures, spontaneous ballet trips, and plenty of cookies.
This year, we decided to shake things up a bit for Thanksgiving—and it turned out to be one of our favorite celebrations yet. Instead of the usual big fancy dinner, we turned the holiday into an after-school playdate for Jackson and his school friends. It was casual, joyful, and filled with laughter (and a few flying Nerf darts).
Jackson invited a handful of his classmates over to experience a mini Thanksgiving feast. For many of them, it was their first time trying traditional Thanksgiving food, and watching their reactions was half the fun. We kept the menu classic and comforting: mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and not one, but two kinds of pie—apple and pumpkin. Instead of going the traditional turkey route, we opted for a beautifully roasted chicken, which ended up being the perfect size and much easier to manage.
The kids were adventurous, each taking little bites of everything. Some were surprised by the tartness of cranberry sauce; others loved the richness of the stuffing. The pies were a hit all around, and we’re pretty sure we converted a few pumpkin pie skeptics.
After the feast came the real highlight of the day: an epic Nerf war outside. The kids dashed around, teaming up, laughing, and using everything from bushes to trees as cover. It was chaotic in the best possible way—just pure fun and energy, the perfect way to run off a few helpings of mashed potatoes.
In the end, this unconventional Thanksgiving reminded us what the holiday is really about—sharing, gratitude, and connection. Whether it’s around a formal dining table or on the lawn with Nerf blasters, it’s the people (and a little pie) that make the day special.
Summer Vacation 2024 was filled with lots of warm and wonderful memories. It was another bittersweet trip home – so wonderful to see everyone, but my mom was not there.
We started with the miserably long trip: 7-hour flight to Tokyo and then a 13 hour flight to the U.S.
We transited through Tokyo/Haneda again and we went straight for the Ramen place. We shopped at the Japanese souvenir shop for some Japanese-style cookies, and then hit up the 7-11 for strawberry Pocky before settling in at our gate. This is becoming our routine.
The trip was uneventful and this time, we stopped in Washington, D.C. for a week-long rest before continuing on to South Carolina. We picked up our rental car and headed to our hotel.
Although I was completely shattered and wanted to sleep, Jackson was desperate to start Summer Vacation 2024 with a visit to the National Air and Space Museum at the nearby Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. This turned out to be a great choice! It helped with the jet lag and the museum was very nice! Jackson and I squeezed into the flight simulator, and he did a great job of not flipping me upside down! We walked around and saw the space shuttle and so many other cool displays. We hit the gift shop on the way out and took an Uber back to the hotel.
Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
We drove from Washington, DC to Pennsylvania and stayed at the 7 Springs mountain resort for a week. This was our hotel of choice when they offered deep discounts for summer stays, as it is near-ish to family and friends, with plenty to do. The discounts aren’t as great these days, the hotel needs refurbishment, and we’re noticing that some of our desired amenities are disappearing (the laundromat is gone, daily room cleaning is gone. Our room was only serviced once, after 5 days – and this is post-Covid). This has become a tradition for us, so we still go. We did get the breakfast buffet included this time, and it was plentiful. However, one day we were given menus to select from; the blueberry pancakes were amazing, and were a nice treat from the morning buffet. We found the summertime activities to be quite expensive, although a lot is included. $66/day: mini golf, Alpine Slide, bowling, etc. My older brother and his family came out to hang out with us. (I can’t believe how fast my niece is growing up!!) We splurged on mini-golf for everyone and then we enjoyed the pool and hot tub. We ordered pizza – and it was really good. Then stopped at the ice cream shop for sweet treats and coffee. It was so nice to get to spend time with everyone.
Cousins7 Springs
In looking for an activity that Jackson could do while I visited with a friend, I discovered a flight training school with a simulator. I booked him a lesson. Then I looked at the map and realized that the school was too far out. We ended up stopping in at Oakmont Bakery for breakfast and a good catchup with my friend, whom I’ve known since we were five years old!! We ordered fancy coffees, and I got a delicious breakfast sandwich that I was dreaming about days later. Then Jackson and I continued north to the flight school – High Flight. He had an amazing lesson – the best day of his life, as he tells it.
During this trip, we were so close to the Flight 93 Memorial, we made time to visit. I’m glad we did. We’ve been once before, but Jackson was a baby. This time, Jackson got the Junior Ranger book, and we focused on the items in the book, keeping the visit age appropriate. He picked up the I Survived book in the gift shop on the way out and read it on the road.
We saw signs for a covered bridge, so naturally, we followed them! We stopped at Glessner Covered Bridge for a few quick photos. I was more impressed than my travel companion – who was engrossed in his new book.
Glessner Covered Bridge
He did enjoy lunch at Eat n’ Park, and a visit to the movie theater after our heavy morning.
I had a nice catch-up dinner with my friend Missy. (Another friend from my childhood days.) The jetlag caught up with Jackson, and he slept all through dinner.
Meeting up with my younger brother and his family, we had an amazing day at Kennywood Park. So much good family time. Taking turns riding with each other, sharing a meal together. All the things we miss out on while living overseas.
Cousins at Kennywood
I love going to my favorite Italian shops when I go home. DeLallo is ‘my’ Italian grocery store. I love to pick up some olives from the ‘olive bar’, and I always grab a pepperoni roll and some pizzelles. Moios Italian Patry Shop is another favorite. I consider the chocolate torte cake my birthday cake – a moist chocolate sponge with chocolate pudding in the middle and topped with fudgy chocolate frosting. So, I must have a slice along with cannoli. Jackson was excited about the Italian ice when he saw the sign advertising it. When he ordered, he was not so excited to hear that they only had the lemon flavor, but once he tasted it, he was all in!
Moios Italian Patry Shop
As my time in Pennsylvania was about finished, we met up at Cracker Barrel for a farewell breakfast. The blueberry pancakes were amazing, as always – but it was really so special to spend this time with my family. I got to visit a bit with my son, daughter-in-law, and grandson…who has grown so much since I last saw him!! It was hard to say goodbye, but it was time for me and Jackson to head south to see ‘our dads’.
My Family
We drove back to Dulles airport, returned the rental car and flew to South Carolina.
In South Carolina, we grabbed our bags and another rental car, and off we went to see Grandpa.
Jackson and Grandpa
The next day, I drove Jackson to Greenville, SC, for his two-week visit with his dad. This is tougher on me than it is on Jackson.
I spent the next week hanging out with my dad. Running errands, cooking, cleaning, squeezing in a Hallmark movie here and there. I did my best to fill up on Starbucks and Chick Fil A, and I enjoyed the flora and fauna on the Lane.
Bunny on the LaneRed roseMy niece graduated from university!
From there, I continued back south and visited Aunt Darlene for lots of hugs, planning for our trip next summer, and remembering my mom and Uncle Wilson. These visits are never long enough.
As I traveled further south, I popped into Buc-ee’s for some gas, fudge for my dad, and a quick shop around. This felt like Disneyworld for grownups. I immediately felt the excitement when I walked through the doors!
Buc’ees Fudge
Back in South Carolina, I went for a morning visit of Congaree National Park. After battling all the golden webbed spiders, I was treated to a sighting of a Barred owl. I’ll be honest, the spiders had me freaked out. They were EVERYWHERE. I ended up turning back on the path and I found another visitor with a tri-pod set up – viewing/filming something in the trees. He pointed to the owl! I would have never found it on my own…I was too focused on the spider webs.
Congaree National Park
When Jackson returned, we went to Edventure children’s museum. One of his favorite places to visit. He loves the airplane built into the wall, and Eddie!
Edventure Children’s Museum
For our very last adventure, Jackson and I flew to Washington state to visit Josh and see Olympic National Park. We had a wonderful visit! Lots of catching up and exploring the beauty of the national park. This visit was much too short!
Olympic National ParkOlympic National ParkOlympic National ParkOlympic National ParkOlympic National ParkOlympic National ParkOlympic National Park
That’s a wrap on Summer Vacation 2024. We had to head back to SC for our flight home early the following morning.
One last family photo before we head to the airport.Jackson in the cockpit
