Here are some random photos of moments in our lives: Jared sitting with Chloe in the porch. I’m sure Bear Grylls is running wild in the front. Bear is always looking outside. Having Bear is a different experience than owning Chloe. He doesn’t listen and thinks everything is a game. He is an exhausting hobby.
I finally got together with my friend Samira Oveson. We went out for breakfast and later to a new spa for head and feet massages. It was a new experience. I met Samira because she is my dentist and we clicked. She has the most amazing dental spa.
Jared‘s brother (Sam Hobbs) had a conference for eye doctors in SLC. It was nice to catch up with him. We went to Mar and Muntana for dinner at the same hotel where Sam had his conference. Afterwards, we went to another restaurant for dessert.
Milo at his last track meeting at West High School. He invited us to the last meet. He was 3rd in one of this category and his team got second place at 4X100 meter race. Isn't he gorgeous? I love how confident he is.
Anniversary dinner
This was our anniversary dinner at Venetto. I think we have been doing this for 22 years. Some years better than others. We did a seven course meal. It was meh.
I. Vellutata Topinambur con Capesante e Nocciole e Fiori di Finocchiofennel flower sautéed scallop with jerusalem artichoke velluté and piemonte hazelnuts
II: Soufflé di Broccoli con Gamberi Confit, Salsa Zafferano, Semi di Papaveconfit prawn with broccoli soufflé, saffron sauce and calendula flower essence
III: Passatelli Parmigiano e Tartufo Nero con Polline di Fiori Blue di Maispassatelli pasta with blue corn flowers and black truffle sauce
IV: Limone e Arancia Marinati al Gin lemon and orange gin marinated wedges
V: Raviolo Ricotta e Asparagi ai Fiori di Camomilla: chamomile flower raviolo wheel with seasoned vegetables
VI: Costolette di Agnello alla Rosa in Salsa Verde alla Menta e Carote rose lamb chops with green apple sauce and carrot confit
VII: Tortino Ricotta Pere e Cioccolato e Miele Emulsionato ai Fiori di Sambelderflower honey emulsion ricotta, pear and chocolate cake
Mother’s Day
Dominican Republic
Another short trip to the Dominican Republic. I had contractors changing a few things: New wall colors, new storage for the bathroom, new railings for the curtains, and redo my bathroom using Microcemento.
My new bathroom looks like this:
I didn’t stay in Santo Domingo for too long. I visited my step-grandma’s house, where I saw my cousin Gabriel—he’s that gorgeous guy and a well-known influencer over there. I also spent some time with my aunt and her husband, Guillermo.
I stopped by El Jalao, a restaurant with live music, and had my favorite eggplant dish—it was phenomenal. While in San Pedro de Macorís, I also tried a dish made with cow feet and tripe called Patimongo. I loved being able to enjoy all these traditional foods without my American husband and children getting grossed out by the culinary flavors of my country. Eating in a peaceful environment is truly priceless.
Going to church in the Dominican Republic is non- negotiable. This is my friend Grace and her mom. This is my new ward in Boca Chica.
After church, I met at Saint Tropez restaurant next door of my place with my friend Ana.
I absolutely love traveling to the Dominican Republic on my own. When I go alone, I’m not a mom, not a wife—I’m just me. I don’t have to worry about entertaining anyone—not a grumpy husband, not moody teenagers, not even the dogs. It’s my time to fully unplug.
Friends often ask to come along, but I prefer going solo. I’m not interested in being anyone’s tour guide. I enjoy connecting with people for an hour or two and then going back to my own rhythm. I love spending hours on the beach—eight, if I can—sipping mocktails, juices, and sodas, eating fried fish with croquettes, taking naps, chatting with locals about nothing in particular—or saying nothing at all. Just being.
I find so much joy in getting into the water, lying on a lounger listening to audiobooks, and journaling. If that’s not heaven, I don’t know what is. Living in the U.S. has become emotionally draining for me. With everything going on, it’s hard not to feel disheartened. I feel alienated by the MAGA crowd, disillusioned by performative liberal outrage, and heartbroken by religious groups who hurt others in the name of God. It all feels so heavy sometimes. That’s why I need to leave often—to reset and recharge.
The flights are long and tough on my body. After my last trip, I hired a sports massage therapist and chiropractor to help realign my back. Turns out, one of my legs was slightly shorter than the other—but we’re working on it.
