My last currently check-in, 4.0, was last July. It seems fitting to celebrate some summer fun with a new edition. I borrowed today’s headings from this post by Julie, whose blog I’ve followed for years.

CURRENTLY: JULY 2025

• Currently Remembering: My great vacations! This summer was I was able to travel to Banff, Canada to explore the stunning natural beauty with a good friend I hadn’t seen in 5.5 years. Then I spent time in Las Vegas with some chosen family (nephews by friendship), which included lots of playing games, ice hockey, pool time, and a special experience taking my 11-year-old nephew to a concert at The Sphere (which we both LOVED!). I even had a surprise reunion with a friend I made on my Galapagos cruise last July. I love vacations!

• Currently Enjoying: San Diego Fun! I started this summer determined to take advantage of local experiences, as I relaxed and recharged after a stressful school year. So far I have: enjoyed a beach day, experienced the Jacumba Hot Springs in a night star-viewing soak, did a silent sunset dance party on the beach, visiting the SD Zoo for a “Night Zoo” walk, rode a scooter to see lots of fireworks at the bay, visiting a Farmer’s Market, ate meals with friends and family, took a virtual photography course, read a lot at my pool and jacuzzi, and more!

• Currently Reading: Lots of professional books, thousands of pages by Stephen King, and some silly fun! I am keep my reading mixed but mostly light right now. That is just what I need! This summer I have read at the beach, the pool, on planes, during my commute (audiobooks!), in airports, in bed, on my couch, and while getting a new tattoo!

• Currently Donating To: Goodwill and The Trevor Project – I did a major summer clean-out at home and actually scheduled a Goodwill pick up, since I had two pieces of furniture to donate as well as many bags of clothing. It felt good to purge and give away. I am also supporting The Trevor Project and places that provide resources and safety for LGBTQIA+ youth.

• Currently Watching: Big Brother! My favorite summer show is back! I have loved this show for over 20 seasons. I still love the concept of strangers stuck in a house with no outside contact, no phones, no TV, no books, and lots of time on their hands. I enjoy the competitions as well as the manipulative game play. It’s always hard to get into it at first, because there are so many people to get to know. But soon people will form alliances and there will be backstabbing and eliminations, getting us into the meat of the season!

• Currently Anticipating: My 50th Birthday! After various plans fell through, I was able to book something special for a long weekend to celebrate my 50th in style! I’m going to Maui for some luxury time on my own, and then some time with my family who life on the island. Fifty doesn’t bother me, but it’s a big number and I want to honor the years. I have some birthday journaling planned, some reading, and of course beach and pool and nature time; I cannot wait!

What is currently going on in your world?