On August 14th, 2015, I published a post that changed the course of this blog and the direction of my life forever.
“In two days I’ll be on a plane to Asia and life will never be the same … I bought a one way ticket to Bangkok to leave this life behind and start over.”
Today’s announcement is strangely similar, yet different in so many ways.
In two days, I’ll be on a plane to South America with a one way ticket to Rio. But this time I’ll have someone by my side… and this trip is not about starting over—it’s about the start of our own great adventure, together.
When I returned home from Asia to sell my house, I never thought I’d stay. I couldn’t wait to get back to a nomadic lifestyle, waking up to new places and people every day. But there was someone I had met along the way who would change those plans.
Lucas was moving to San Francisco to settle down, and as difficult as the decision was to stay with him in California, I knew I’d never be able to walk away from this connection we had.
That connection grew into love, and the beginning of a life together in the city. He found a great career, and I decided to fully pursue real estate with the purchase of my first flip.
But there was something missing. A void had been left in the absence of travel, and it was growing by the day. A piece of me was gone, and nothing could replace it. I couldn’t look at those old photos, relive the memories or even talk about my time abroad without mourning the loss of the path I didn’t take.
Some part of Lucas felt the same, and he was also re-evaluating his career path and life plans.
After many long conversations, we both knew what we needed to do.
It was because of a risk we both took in 2015—him leaving his career to backpack overseas for several months and me walking away from a marriage to do the same—that ended up being the best decision of our lives, and the one that brought us together. There was no hesitation, it was time to make that same decision again.
A couple months ago, Lucas quit his job and a we booked a flight to Rio, where we’ll begin our backpacking trip through South America and Europe for the next seven months.
Just as we each did during our own travels throughout Southeast Asia, we have very little booked or planned because it’s all about the journey, not the destination. We’ll follow our internal compass and let our encounters lead the way.
At the end of this year, we plan to return home for the holidays before packing up and moving to Florida in January. We’ll settle in Tampa/St. Petersburg and start our own real estate company, investing through rehabbing, selling and renting homes. We’ve both put a lot of time and thought into this decision and are prepared to fully commit ourselves to this business.
That leads us to the future of this blog. I can’t make any promises about what to expect over the next several months while we’re traveling, but I can say that I will focus on raising the bar for my videos/vlogging (the next one is coming soon!)
There will still be blog updates, but they may not be as lengthy as they were during my last travels—it’s tough to predict right now. Lucas has also shown interest in contributing with his own posts from time to time, coming from a different perspective of transitioning from the corporate world to self employment, which some of you may be able to relate to.
I know many of you only read this blog for the home décor content, and I understand if you
decide to check out until that resumes next January—I’m expecting it to come back bigger than ever once there are two of us working at it full time! But for those of you who stuck around and enjoyed following my first solo journey, there’s a lot more where that came from. And it’s never going away, as we have both vowed to make travel a priority for the rest of our lives.
There are still many unknowns ahead, but we’ve learned that is where the magic happens… in following your heart and letting the universe guide you to where you’re meant to be. Each day is precious and tomorrow is not guaranteed, so there’s no time to waste.
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all—and our adventure begins now.
Grace Cuollo says
I’ve been reading your blog since the beginning when I found you as a prior blogger myself in UT. I now live in the St. Pete area finishing up my remodel and love it here! Although I have stopped blogging, I’m excited to see your next flip right here in my town. You can see some of my remodel here: https://graciesremodel.blogspot.com/
Excuse the messy blog currently redo the blog. Come visit me 🙂
jennasuedesign says
Very cool, thanks for sharing Grace!
Karen Christian says
Excited to see where your journey takes you next. I’m also excited to hear about your move to Tampa/St. Pete because that’s where I live! Looking forward to your take on the local real estate market here. In the meantime, enjoy your travels.
jennasuedesign says
Awesome, great to see so many of you who live in the area!
Rebecca Neustel says
I will miss your home decor content simply because I love what you do, but I wish you both to have the time of your lives! Coming from someone who’s 57, the regrets of what might have been will wear on you the older you are. Do it now ?
jennasuedesign says
So true! Thank you for the support Rebecca <3
Kim says
I have loved your blog for years. I am super excited to see what you do with it in the future…especially now that I know you are moving to Tampa/St. Petersburg where I live. It’s a beautiful area and I think you will love living here. In the meantime, enjoy your travels!
jennasuedesign says
Thank you Kim, maybe we’ll see you in Tampa! 😉
Shavonda says
Yaaay Jenna! I’m so so happy for you babe! Just so happy for you! Youve found your voice, your passion, your stride, and your person. I’m so so sad you won’t be in Cali anymore , but I’m so excited for your new life babe. Have the most amazing time in S. America and safe tavels.
jennasuedesign says
Thank you so much Shavonda! <3 xo
Jenny B. says
Wow! I hope you have a wonderful time! I found your blog right before you left for Asia, and even though I started reading because I liked your kitchen, I stuck around because your travel posts were so beautiful and interesting. I’m excited (and maybe a little nervous!) to follow along as you share about your next journey. 🙂
I have a question for both you and Lucas… Now that you’ve traveled the world (or at least a far away part of it), does the world seem bigger or smaller to you?
It’s been my experience that when I’m online or watching movies or TV shows about faraway places, the world seems small. Like, I can just click on a link and learn all about another place, or message a friend in a foreign country and have a conversation right this instant. But, when I’ve actually been out in the world and gone places (you know, like a neighboring state… I don’t get out much)… Anyway, when I’m actually out in the world, it seems really big. Just wondering what your experience has been with that. 🙂
Michele says
I’m super excited about your announcement! I absolutely loved following your travels before. I can’t wait to live vicariously through you again!
Jillian Wood says
I have followed and loved your blog since the Cali redo and checked in when I remembered to. I was initially disappointed on learning that you were leaving the DIY for your trip of a lifetime to Asia . However, from the point you stepped on that plane and reading the first blog, my daily duty was to pour coffee and check to see if Jenna has checked in [ and worried when you didn’t ]. I loved every minute of your trip. We all lived through you vicariously. I must tell you, that having read of this new excursion, I am just as excited,,, but I jumped off my seat and yelled … Yeah…She is moving to Tampa Bay/ St Pete on her return… My house will still be [ Under Construction please excuse the mess, by then ] I live in St Pete, It will be like Joanna Gaines moved into my neighborhood lol ♥ safe travels.
jennasuedesign says
Thanks for commenting Jillian, we’re very excited for St Pete! ❤