HX - The Human Experience

09/08/2023

09/03/2022

Happy International Woman’s Day! (a day late 😬)
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On and Every Day - may we celebrate the strengths of womanhood, the bonds of sisterhood, and the beauties of personhood.
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05/03/2022

Well, life doesn’t always go the way you planned.
Obviously.
That doesn’t make it any less disappointing.

In the grand scheme of things, not being able to launch my website as planned is a small hiccup.

I think what makes it more difficult to swallow is the fact that I’ve been trying to launch this website for the better part of a year and a half. And I’ve stood in my own way. Fear and feeling unprepared have made me second guess myself and keep pushing it off.

I’d finally decided to just do it. To be okay with the lack of perfection and having everything figured out. Because perfect doesn’t exist and you’ll spend your whole life not doing anything if you’re trying to live up to that measure.

I knew this well in my 20’s. I was a master of putting the cart before the horse; and to be honest, I miss that about myself. Age makes you cautious. You feel like you have more to lose.

But maybe that’s not what it’s about. Because most of the time failure is not an ending, it’s an opportunity.

So here’s to failures. May they open doors you never thought possible.
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04/03/2022

TOMORROW IS THE DAY!
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The Human Experience blog will go live tomorrow. To a certain extent, this feels anticlimactic. But, like anything, this is a journey and I fully expect for The HX to grow and evolve as I do, as we all do. I can’t wait for this community to come together and my hope is that it will be a reflection of the beauty of being human.
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03/03/2022

In 2014 my Pom-mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer. She was everything to me and the rest her family. Anytime she would go for chemotherapy I would text her how much I loved her and she would reply with “I love you more”. This turned into us texting back and forth with things each of us loved but stating our love for each other was more than that. Anytime we would say bye over the phone, leave each other or sign a card it was always “I love you more”. When the idea popped into my head to get this tattoo I didn’t have to think twice about it, I knew it was perfect. The tattoo across my bra line is done in her handwriting and complete with a breast cancer ribbon and heart. I surprised her with it one day and it’s probably the only tattoo she ever really loved.
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03/03/2022

⭐️ 2 DAYS UNTIL LAUNCH! ⭐️
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The Human Experience blog is launching in 2 days. In my previous post about the launch, I said that this is only part 1. This weekend, part 2 will be revealed and I’m so excited to share!
A giant disclaimer though? This is a huge learning experience for me and if you’re here, I hope you’ll bear with me.
I hope the stories that are shared inspire you, convict you, comfort you. I hope that, for some of you, they make you feel safe enough to share your own story.
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02/03/2022

🚨 this is not a drill! 🚨
This Friday GetTheHx.com will be going live!
The blog is just part one of the launch (there’s more coming!) and I can’t wait to share it with you.
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02/03/2022

One of my favorite things about living in southeastern PA is the access to major cities - New York being one of them. A tourist Mecca, NYC appeals to many people for many reasons; not least of which is, of course, Broadway.
Currently, you do need to be vaccinated to enter most public places in New York (this is not a commentary on it, just stating a fact). If you are vaccinated and are thinking about a trip, I would say it’s definitely worth it. The process, in my experience, was very easy. A couple of places checked the vaccine cards, but not everyone did, and it never held anything up.
Now to the fun stuff - The Lion King has been around for a while, but it is not one to skip. I’ve been wanting to see this show for years, and going with one of my best friends made the quick overnight trip that much better.
It lived up to the hype, the cast was phenomenal and it was an incredible show. Watching people perform, but also maneuver the animal puppets and costumes, was next level. I have so much respect for their talent and coordination.
Since we were only in town for a short visit, we stuck to the Theater/Garment districts. Our pre-show dinner was at Toloache. It was my second time there and it was lovely. Great drinks, delicious food, warm atmosphere, and friendly staff. Their guacamole is a must-try, and you can’t go wrong with their tacos.
We did brunch near Bryant Park at Parker and Quinn. I absolutely loved the inside of this restaurant. The service was great; we probably lingered a tad too long over our cocktails, but our waiter was nothing but kind and accommodating. Eggs Benedict is a personal favorite, and it was a definite win in my book.
Finally, we stopped in at Kinokunyia bookstore. I’m late to the game because I’d never heard of it, but it’s actually Japan’s largest bookstore chain. From looking at it online, I thought they only sold Manga and Anime which is great if that’s what you’re interested in, but it’s not my thing. I was wrong, however, because while they do have an entire floor dedicated to Manga and Anime, they also had a bunch of other books to sift through
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25/02/2022

Ellenáll - Resist
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I thought it would be appropriate to start The Weight of Ink off myself. I’m a big believer in not asking someone to do something you aren’t willing to do yourself, especially something as potentially vulnerable as this.
This tattoo says ellenáll & it means resist in Hungarian. I got it for my grandfather - Opa - who had an incredible story.
Laszlo grew up in communist Hungary, & as a young man he discovered the underground church. He didn’t grow up in a religious household & he was curious. He kept visiting & asking questions. Eventually, he joined the movement and became a leader of the youth.
For this he was arrested & sent to prison. Soon after he arrived he had a dream in which he saw the front gate of the prison. On one side of the gate was 1952 and on the other side of the gate was 1956. 1952 is the year he was put in prison; he said that after he had that dream he knew he was going to survive, but that he would be there for 4 years.
He was right.
In 1956 the Hungarian Freedom Fighters raided his prison, allowing people to escape. Many of the men were afraid, but Opa said that this was his chance & he wasn’t going to waste it.
He did escape, & he eventually made it to the US (I even found the passenger log from the ship he was on).
There is so much more to his story, & I could never do it justice with an Instagram post.
There was no one else like Opa. He was my favorite.
Sadly, he passed away in 2016. In 2019 I went to Budapest for the first time. He would have been thrilled that I made it to his homeland.
While there, I visited the House of Terror, a museum & memorial dedicated to the victims of the fascist & communist regimes in Hungary. The building itself was a meeting house for the Arrow Cross Party & includes a prison where victims of these regimes were held.
Visiting the museum was sobering, as one would expect. But I didn’t think that I would be so emotional while walking through the prison. It wasn’t the place my Opa was held, I don’t even know if there was any resemblance. But the tangible representation was enough. I decided then that I wanted this tattoo.
Don't accept the status quo. There is power in resistance.

24/02/2022

How do you practice self-care?
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This year has been a whirlwind, I can’t believe it’s already February as much as I can’t believe it’s only February…
My to-do list isn’t getting shorter and I’m frustrated that there aren’t more hours in the day. I can’t always prioritize the things I want to since being an adult gets in the way, so projects get put on the back burner again and again.
We live in a culture that glorifies “the hustle”, and I am not immune. There is absolutely a place for hustle and grind. But there’s a point when the hustle has to stop, because burnout is real and things you were passionate about start to become burdens.
I can physically feel myself teetering on the edge sometimes, and I know I have to pull back and do something that will fill me back up.
Reading is my ultimate escape, as I know it is for many. To be transported to different worlds and experience life through the eyes of another is unlike anything else. Which is why, I’m sure, TV & film are another popular escape.
I struggle with guilt over the lack of productivity when I’m doing something that doesn’t contribute to an accomplishment. But that guilt is a lie. Because a person that takes care of themselves, who listens to their mind and body, is a person that knows peace and happiness.
Take care of yourself. You’re important.
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18/02/2022

The Weight Of Ink
(read til the end!)
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I got my first tattoo when I was 18. I’d been wanting it for years. It’s not my favorite tattoo that I have. My life and my style have changed pretty drastically since I was 18 (I hope yours has too!) and I’ve gotten several more tattoos over the years. And even though I wouldn’t necessarily choose to get my first tattoo over again, I still love it. It reminds me of a person I used to be. I still remember what my thought process was and the nervousness that came with such a permanent decision.
I love that tattoos are moments of time captured and carried with us always. I love the stories they tell and the memories they preserve. I love that, even subconsciously, we are drawn to the art of storytelling.
I’ll be starting a series on Instagram called The Weight of Ink, showcasing tattoos and the personal meaning behind them.
If you’re interested in submitting a tattoo DM me, or email me at [email protected]
Stay Tuned…👀
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17/02/2022

What’s on your bucket list?
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Egypt has been a bucket list destination for…well, forever. I’ve been trying to plan this trip for about 5 years, but something always got in the way.
Im finally able to go and I’m ecstatic. I’ll be leaving in early March for two full weeks.
Im a bit nervous. With the world shutting down for a couple of years, I feel out of practice. But honestly, the best anecdote to fear of traveling is to jump right back in. Because 9 times out of 10 it’s better than you ever could have imagined.
Also, you feel kind of like a bad ass.
Travel is an accomplishment and something to be proud of. It’s not for everyone, and that’s certainly okay. But, I don’t think you can ever “waste your time” by traveling.
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14/02/2022

Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️
Wherever you are - physically, emotionally, spiritually - you are enough. You are seen. You are loved.
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❤️

29/01/2022

“I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free”
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Huge thank you to Bob at for this beautiful piece.
I am obsessed.
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09/01/2022

5/5⭐️
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Finished my first book of 2022, “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz.
This book was…a lot (in both the best and worst ways). There is so much information packed into it that I felt like I could begin reading it again as soon as I turned the last page. There is no way to fully comprehend this narrative on the first read, especially if you’ve never viewed US History through the Native American lens.
There are no euphemisms, and no words are minced, but that’s exactly why this book is important.

06/01/2022

A walk in the park…probably not a big deal for most. Today, for me, it’s a celebration, a milestone. A small milestone, but one nonetheless.

A year ago I woke up and I was barely able to walk. I spent most of last year in enormous pain with very little answers.

I spent a lot of time and money on medication, medical care, chiropractic care, and physical therapy. I was immobile for large chunks of the year, only comfortable if I was flat on my back.

While on a trip with my family this past fall, I couldn’t finish a hike because my legs started to give out.

Physically it was painful, but mentally it was worse. I’ve struggled with chronic pain since I was a teenager, but it’s always been something that comes and goes. I’ll have flare ups, and then it gets better for awhile. And while chronic pain is no joke, it never kept me from being able to move.

Late last year I was finally able to get some relief. I still have pain, I have to be careful I don’t push myself too hard too quickly, but I’ve finally turned a corner.

I can walk a couple of miles. And I can do it multiple days in a row.

So, I’m celebrating. 🥳

But I’m really fortunate. While last year was difficult at times, I was able to go to the doctor, to spend money on medication, and to have some measure of relief.

If you’re struggling with chronic pain or disability, I won’t pretend to know your experience or your struggle.

But you are seen.

You are strong.
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01/01/2022

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.”
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Christmas is my favorite time of year. I am absolutely one of those people that unapologetically gets caught up in the magic of the season.
Christmas time is often a picture of the best that humanity has to offer and for that reason, it will always be wonderful.
As this season comes to a close and we throw ourselves into a new year full of dreams and possibilities, my hope is that we don’t forget that wonder and kindness and love and joy are always within our grasp.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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22/12/2021

THE BEST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DISPLAY IN THE PHILADELPHIA AREA
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Located about an hour west of Philadelphia is Longwood Gardens, a botanical garden that has been open to the public since 1921. It is one of the premier public gardens in the United States and has over 1,077 acres of land. It’s a beautiful place to visit any time of year, but their Christmas display is absolutely incredible.
I’ve been visiting Longwood every year around Christmas for years, and it has only gotten better.
Their lights displays are unmatched, whether you’re walking through the conservatory or your strolling outside with a cup of hot chocolate in hand.
Their many trees are diverse in their decoration - from shiny baubles to edible ornaments for wildlife, and even ornaments made by kids from local schools.
You’d be hard pressed to find an area of the gardens that isn’t teeming with festivity.
Visit the tree houses (there are three) the train display, the fountains, the beer garden, the du Pont house, the conservatory, and more.
Go in the day to see the beauty of the gardens, but make sure you stay until dark so you can see all the lights!
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19/12/2021

https://youtu.be/8dJXZuX4Sm4
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Wow. I can’t believe it’s been a couple of weeks since I did my first Suffering in Silence radio program. I had promised to get this audio up right away and absolutely failed. Thank you for sticking with me - I hope you listen, and more than anything I hope it helps someone.
What are some questions you have surrounding Domestic Violence? Are there topics you’d like to see discussed? I’d love to hear from you!
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I’ll be on again this Friday at 7pm EST!
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18/12/2021

For your Holiday Bucket List!
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Strasburg Railroad, located about 1.5 hours west of Philadelphia, is America’s oldest operating railroad. You can take a ride any time of year, but as you can see, Christmas is especially magical.
We did the Night Before Christmas ride which included a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, a song and dance performance, cookies and milk for all, and of course a visit from Santa!
I rode this train with my parents and grandparents when I was a kid, my dad rode it when he was a kid; it’s so fun and special to be able to share it with my nieces now.
Christmas tickets sell fast, but make sure you put this one on your Christmas bucket list!
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02/12/2021

There is something to be said about remaining open to possibility - any possibility. I’ve found that often, the most life-changing experiences happen when you’re willing to let go of what you think life should look like.
There is whimsy in opportunity, and I quite like that.
Thank you for those that have followed along so far, I’m really excited about what’s to come.
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01/12/2021

There is something to be said about remaining open to possibility - any possibility. I’ve found that often, the most life-changing experiences happen when you’re willing to let go of what you think life should look like.
There is whimsy in opportunity, and I quite like that.
Thank you for those that have followed along so far, I’m really excited about what’s to come.
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23/11/2021

There’s something so lovely about a cabin in the woods (unless you’re watching a scary movie).
It’s been a bucket list item for awhile.
I’m happy to say that so far, it’s everything I thought it would be. The air is crisp, the fireplaces are aplenty, and the views are spectacular.
What are some items on your bucket list?
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14/11/2021

Meet my co-pilot!
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Fitz is a COVID rescue and a foster fail. I had been thinking about getting a dog for awhile and my cousin suggested I try fostering.
I did. And Fitz was my first and only foster.
Right after lockdowns started in March 2020, people were afraid that state borders were going to shut down. So Georgia put out a call to shelters asking them to come get dogs if they could.
When they brought Fitz back from Georgia, he was in bad shape. He had a host of medical issues due to mistreatment and neglect. They took him to a vet right away to get him fixed up, but his temperament was skittish and scared.
When I asked to foster him the woman told me that she had been on the phone all day with prospective foster families and not one person had asked about him 😭
That sealed it for me.
After 2 weeks, someone was interested in coming to visit him to adopt him and I knew that I couldn’t let him go. So I adopted him that day.
Fitz is the sweetest boy. He loves cuddles, being chased, lots of treats, and car rides. He’s still extremely skittish and is very nervous around people he doesn’t know well. He likes to pretend he’s invisible. But you will never meet a gentler pup.
Fitz has certainly kept me on my toes (he’s run away twice; once the first day I got him and once when I was out of town. The second time he was lost for 16 days!) but I couldn’t imagine life without him.
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13/11/2021

Lions, Tigers, and Bears? Oh my!
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The is about 30 minutes outside of downtown St. Augustine and it was, by far, my favorite thing we did.
St. Augustine Wild Reserve is a sanctuary for unwanted and abused exotic animals. They do not turn any exotic animals away and the animals remain loved and cared for the remainder of their lives at the reserve.
The best part is they hold tours of their facilities on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
We did a Saturday tour and it was incredible to see all of these beautiful creatures up close, learn about where they came from, and most importantly, learn about the conservation efforts the staff of the reserve employ to keep these animals safe long-term.
If you do one thing in St. Augustine, do this. There is no hands-on interaction with the animals (because that’s dangerous and you should question any organization that lets you do that) but you will get to visit each of the reserve’s residents, and hear their story.
If you aren’t planning a visit to St. Augustine soon, you should check out their website to learn more about them, see pictures of the animals online, and even support them in their mission (they are a registered nonprofit!)
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04/11/2021

“After a day’s walk, everything has twice its usual value.” George Macauley Trevelyan
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31/10/2021

Taking a break from the travel content for a sec to highlight a cause that’s extremely close to my heart.
In my intro post I mentioned that previously I had been married; that I’m currently single and happy, but that it had taken awhile to get to that place. A long while.
There were times that I wasn’t sure it was ever going to happen, that I was ever going to heal and fix the broken pieces.
In my early twenties I was dating a guy, and he was unlike anyone I had ever met. He was charming, my family and friends loved him, he was thoughtful and sweet and he said all of the right things. I loved him.
So I married him.
But as soon as our honeymoon ended, so did the relationship as I knew it.
I was living in a nightmare and I didn’t know how to wake up.
The worst part of it is, I’m not singular; I’m not unique.
You or someone you know has been personally impacted by Domestic Violence.
I promise you.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. And while it’s nearly over, I didn’t want to let the month slip away without acknowledging the impact that this issue has had on me personally as well as the impact it’s had on so many others. Others that were able to escape, others that are still living in their nightmare, and those that never made it out.
You are seen. You are known. You are loved.
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29/10/2021

St. Augustine highlights!
From the landmarks to the restaurants, and even the cobblestone side streets, St. Augustine is a beautiful destination.
Founded in 1565, it is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the U.S.
•Stroll down St. George street for some fun shopping
•Visit one of the many restaurants for a delicious meal (we loved Prohibition Kitchen, the Roosevelt Room, the Floridian, and Casa Reina)
•Visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, the Governor’s House, and the Castillo de San Marcos for some fascinating history
•Buy a ticket to ride the trolley around St. Augustine for the day! A great way to see everything as it’s hop-on-hop-off style and visits all the major attractions in the city. And while St. Augustine is very walkable, sometimes it’s nice to catch the ride for times sake!
Have you been to St. Augustine? What was your favorite thing from your visit?
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