I’m Shonna and I live in Shonnaland. This is about my life in a year.
Shonna(Sasha)Land News 2023 🇨🇴
la versión en español está por debajo
Shonnaland Chronicles: A Year of Metamorphosis and Mom (with a dash of polyamory, falling in love, and RuPaul’s Drag Race)
Hey y'all! Remember me? It's Shonna (or Sasha, depending on what continent I’m on), finally emerging from a two(ish)-year Shonnaland hibernation. I’m finally emerging from my chrysalis (or maybe a Colombian arepa, haven't decided yet) with a whole lotta life updates. It’s been like a full-on metamorphosis, butterfly-breaking-out-of-the-cocoon kind of year.
Let’s take things one step at a time, paso a paso.
Scares, Sun, and Love: Sommer Adventures in 2023
Let's start with the big one: Mom. The journey from a breast cancer diagnosis to a clean bill of health after her lumpectomy was an absolute roller coaster, but we emerged stronger and more grateful than ever. We're celebrating her health with endless hugs and cherished time together when we’re all in the same city.
This year we weathered snowstorms in Portland, reunions in Washington, and even a cousin's wedding cruise (hello, Bahamas!). And then there was that trip to Taiwan with my almost-teen niece, Noah (almost 12). We had an amazing time together, despite despicable weather. It was truly a trip of a lifetime. Witnessing Noah's curiosity bloom was very cool and the deepening of our bond was pure magic.
From Side Hustle to Center Stage: My Career Evolution
In March I said goodbye to my 18-month contract with Airbnb. I miss the people and the paycheck, but it has been nice to be able to focus on other things.
I’ve been busy writing my own story. My memoir is almost ready to hit the shelves (self-published, baby!), and let me tell you, diving into my past was a trip (the therapeutic kind). I'm still scared to release it, but it'll be here soon-ish, so keep your eyes peeled.
I’m a coach now! After years of freebie sessions, I’m building my own business. Turns out, I love the intense connection with clients (old friends, friends of friends, even random LinkedIn peeps!). No cookie-cutter coaching here! Instead of sticking to one niche, I embrace the rich tapestry of human experiences by offering professional, life/work, and executive/co-founder coaching (20+ clients strong!). Every client brings a unique puzzle, and I thrive on unlocking their potential through customized support. If you're curious, hit me up: https://calendly.com/shonnasommer
Cafecito, Arepas and Soulmates: Finding my Happy Place in Medellín
My Medellin honeymoon is not just holding steady, it's doing a headspin of love! I snagged my marriage visa (secrets on request!), finally got settled into the rhythm of the city, and my Spanish is FINALLY getting smoother than a Colombian salsa move. Although it comes with its hurdles, I'm passionately educating myself and other foreigners about anti-colonization and the impacts of unconscious tourism. Colombia is beautiful and special and it deserves to be preserved for its people.
In September I said goodbye to the amazing apartment I shared with my bestie, Tania, and it was bittersweet. Solo flight called, and I landed just across the street, prime cacawing distance! Now, I'm building my own "home" from scratch, wallpaper by wallpaper, houseplant by houseplant. It's been a labor of love, and I've never felt more rooted, more at home in my own skin. You can check out some photos here.
This city, this life, it's got me bailando under the Colombian sun, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Love, Polyamory, and Sandwich Condiments: Navigating the Spectrum of Connection
The last couple of years have been my official entrance into my "lovetapa" (Spanglish for love phase). My 20s and early 30s were all about partying, traveling, career building, and forgetting what "personal growth" even meant. But now, it's all about love and community. Love for my nieces, nature, lovers (yes, plural!), and even myself. This journey started with falling for a woman back in 2020, and since then, I've embraced the freedom to explore everyone and everything. Let me tell you, it's made me incredibly calm and grounded (who knew?).
Speaking of exploration, the last few years also led me to polyamory (specifically solo poly, but who needs labels, right?). Turns out, monogamy just wasn't my jam (though I totally respect it for others). I spent the last couple of years dating, learning, and making mistakes along the way. Need polyamory resources? Just call me Shonna-pedia.
In some of the most exciting Shonnaland news, I fell deeply in love (like a cheesy rom-com) for my partner, Jose. It's been a year of secure and magical love, while still cherishing the freedom and independence we both need. We traveled, adventured, laughed, and are growing together and separately every day. Jose is kind, silly, adventurous, and an amazing caretaker. I am so grateful to have him in my life.
And let's be real, my non-romantic attachment partners (Tania, my cousin Sasha, and a whole tribe of others) equally hold an important place in my heart, because one partner can't bring all the mayo to the sandwich, you know what I mean?
Stumbling (Falling, Occasionally) Toward Wisdom Mountain: Adventures of a Perpetual Learner
Last year was a masterclass in living and I'm a life learner on steroids, soaking up everything from relationship knowledge to motivation tactics to RuPaul's Drag Race. Sharing these learnings is like a superpower I haven't quite mastered yet, so forgive me for the unsolicited advice (I'm working on it!).
Life hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows (although there have been a lot of rainbows). Ups and downs, loss and grief, and the lingering effects of the pandemic – we've all felt it. But amidst the chaos, I remember the importance of community. And for that, I'm endlessly grateful.
2023 was a bandeja paisa of emotions, and I wouldn't have it any other way! Buckle up for more adventures, more love, and maybe even a sprinkling of unsolicited advice (but hey, it comes from a place of love!). Coaching curious? Polyamory perplexed? Medellín-interested? Reach out, let's chat! I'm always down for a virtual adventure.
As always, I'd love to hear what's going on in your-Land. Please send me a message or email with some updates.
All my love 🌈, Shonna/Sasha/Steve/Lark Waffle/Gagie
Photos and videos are after Spanish version
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Crónicas de Shonnaland: Un Año de Metamorfosis y Mamá (con un toque de poliamor, enamorarse y RuPaul's Drag Race)
¡Hola a todos! ¿Se acuerdan de mí? Soy Shonna (o Sasha, dependiendo del continente en el que me encuentre), finalmente emergiendo de una hibernación en Shonnaland de aproximadamente dos años. Estoy saliendo finalmente de mi crisálida (o tal vez de una arepa colombiana, aún no lo decido) con un montón de actualizaciones de mi vida. Ha sido como una metamorfosis total, un año del tipo mariposa-saliendo-del-capullo.
Vamos paso a paso.
Sustos, Sol y Amor: Las Aventuras de Sommer en 2023
Comencemos con lo grande: Mamá. El viaje desde un diagnóstico de cáncer de mama hasta un informe de salud limpio después de su lumpectomía fue una absoluta montaña rusa, pero emergimos más fuertes y agradecidos que nunca. Estamos celebrando su salud con abrazos interminables y tiempo preciado juntas cuando nos encontramos en la misma ciudad.
Este año enfrentamos tormentas de nieve en Portland, reuniones en Washington e incluso un crucero de bodas de un primo (¡hola, Bahamas!). Y luego estuvo ese viaje a Taiwán con mi sobrina casi adolescente, Noah (casi 12 años). Nos divertimos mucho juntas, a pesar del clima despreciable. Fue verdaderamente un viaje que recordaremos toda la vida. Presenciar el florecimiento de la curiosidad de Noah fue increíble y el fortalecimiento de nuestro vínculo fue pura magia.
De Trabajo Secundario al Escenario Principal: Mi Evolución Profesional
En marzo me despedí de mi contrato de 18 meses con Airbnb. Extraño a la gente y el salario, pero ha sido agradable poder enfocarme en otras cosas.
He estado ocupada escribiendo mi propia historia. Mis memorias están casi listas para llegar a los estantes (autopublicada, ¡bebé!), y déjenme decirles, sumergirme en mi pasado fue todo un viaje (del tipo terapéutico). Todavía tengo miedo de publicarlo, pero estará aquí pronto, así que mantengan los ojos abiertos.
¡Ahora soy Coach! Después de años de sesiones gratuitas, estoy construyendo mi propio negocio. Resulta que me encanta la conexión intensa con los clientes (viejos amigos, amigos de amigos, incluso gente aleatoria de LinkedIn). ¡Nada de coaching genérico aquí! En lugar de quedarme con un nicho, abrazo el rico tapiz de experiencias humanas ofreciendo coaching profesional, de vida/trabajo y de nivel ejecutivo/administrativo(¡más de 20 clientes!). Cada cliente es un rompecabezas único, y avanzo desbloqueando su potencial a través de un acompañamiento personalizado. Si tienes curiosidad, contáctame: https://calendly.com/shonnasommer
Cafecito, Arepas y Almas Gemelas: Encontrando mi Lugar Feliz en Medellín
Mi luna de miel en Medellín no solo se mantiene firme, ¡sino que está dando vueltas de amor! Obtuve mi visa de matrimonio (secretos bajo petición), finalmente me establecí en el ritmo de la ciudad y mi español FINALMENTE está volviéndose más fluido que un movimiento de salsa colombiana. Aunque viene con sus obstáculos, me estoy educando apasionadamente a mí mismo y a otros extranjeros sobre la anticolonización y los impactos del turismo inconsciente. Colombia es hermosa y especial y merece ser preservada para su gente.
En septiembre me despedí del increíble apartamento que compartía con mi mejor amiga, Tania, y fue agridulce. El vuelo en solitario me llamó, ¡y aterricé justo al otro lado de la calle, a distancia de cacareos! Ahora estoy construyendo mi propio "hogar" desde cero, papel de colgadura tras papel de colgadura, planta por planta. Ha sido un trabajo de amor, y nunca me he sentido más arraigada, más en casa que en mi propia piel. Puedes ver algunas fotos aquí.
Esta ciudad, esta vida, me tiene bailando bajo el sol colombiano, y no lo cambiaría por nada.
Amor, Poliamor y Condimentos para Sándwiches: Navegando por el Espectro de la Conexión
Los últimos años han sido mi entrada oficial a mi "lovetapa" (Spanglish para la fase del amor). Mis 20 y primeros 30 años fueron acerca de fiestas, viajes, construcción de carrera y olvidar lo que significaba "crecimiento personal". Pero ahora, todo se trata de amor y comunidad. Amor por mis sobrinas, la naturaleza, amantes (sí, en plural), e incluso por mí misma. Este viaje comenzó al enamorarme de una mujer en 2020, y desde entonces, he abrazado la libertad de explorar a todos y a todo. Déjenme decirles, me ha vuelto increíblemente tranquila y centrada (¿quién lo hubiera pensado?).
Hablando de exploración, los últimos años también me llevaron al poliamor (específicamente al poliamor en solitario, pero ¿quién necesita etiquetas, verdad?). Resulta que la monogamia simplemente no era lo mío (aunque la respeto totalmente para los demás). Pasé los últimos años saliendo, aprendiendo y cometiendo errores en el camino. ¿Necesitas información sobre el poliamor? Solo llámame Shonna-pedia.
En algunas de las noticias más emocionantes de Shonnaland, me enamoré profundamente (como una comedia romántica cursi) de mi pareja, Jose. Ha sido un año de amor seguro y mágico, mientras aún apreciamos la libertad e independencia que ambos necesitamos. Viajamos, nos aventuramos, reímos y crecemos juntos y por separado cada día. Jose es amable, silly, aventurero y un cuidador increíble. Estoy muy agradecida de tenerlo en mi vida.
Y seamos realistas, mis compañeros de apego no romántico (Tania, mi prima Sasha y todo un grupo de otros) tienen un lugar importante en mi corazón, porque un compañero no puede aportar toda la mayonesa al sándwich, ¿saben a lo que me refiero?
Tropezando (Cayendo, Ocasionalmente) hacia la Montaña de la Sabiduría: Aventuras de una Aprendiz Perpetua
El año pasado fue una clase magistral en vivir y yo soy una aprendiz de vida en esteroides, absorbiendo todo, desde conocimientos sobre relaciones hasta tácticas de motivación hasta RuPaul's Drag Race. Compartir estas enseñanzas es como un superpoder que aún no he dominado por completo, así que perdónenme por los consejos no solicitados (¡estoy trabajando en ello!).
La vida no ha sido solo sol y arcoíris (aunque ha habido muchos arcoíris). Altibajos, pérdidas y duelos, y los efectos persistentes de la pandemia, todos lo hemos sentido. Pero en medio del caos, recuerdo la importancia de la comunidad. Y por eso, estoy eternamente agradecida.
El 2023 fue una bandeja paisa de emociones, ¡y no la quisiera de ninguna otra manera! Prepárense para más aventuras, más amor y tal vez incluso un toque de consejos no solicitados (pero hey, provienen de un lugar de amor). ¿Interesado en coaching? ¿Perplejo por el poliamor? ¿Interesado en Medellín? ¡Contáctame, hablemos! Siempre estoy lista para una aventura virtual.
Con mucho amor 🌈, Shonna/Sasha/Steve/Lark Waffle/Gagie
Shonna(Sasha)Land News 2022 🇨🇴
I didn't feel like sharing much this year, so I'll leave you with some pictures and my OneSecondEveryday. Sending healing and growth in 2023!
Con mucho amor, Shonna Sasha Steve Lark Gaga
Shonna(Sacha)Land News 2021 🇨🇴
(la versión en español está a continuación)
2021 truly made me realize that I'm just a tiny speck on this precious planet of seven billion people. I'm not feeling super up to sharing all the "things" I did this year because it all feels pretty insignificant in comparison to what’s happening in the world.
What I will say is that I've learned so much, solidified my values, and evolved into a very different person (but don't worry, I'm still very me!). With all the chaos happening in the world, more than ever I understand that connections and community are what makes me stay sane and happy. Instead of sharing my yearly I-did-this list, I'd like to share a bit more about the people in my life I met or built relationships with this year that have helped me feel grounded and loved, while I’ve made my residence in Colombia permanent.
Pipe. In the beginning of 2020 I met 19 year old Pipe on the streets of Medellín. What started out as a friendship evolved into a beautiful romance (16.5 years age difference!) and now friends again. Pipe is one of the most mature people I've ever dated and as a result, our close friendship has evolved into one of the most fruitful friendships I have. Sometimes small interactions create lasting relationships.
The Polis. In February 2021 I was lucky enough to be invited on a trip to Santa Marta, Colombia with seven friends of Tania's, called the Polis. All Paisas (people from the region of Antioquia, where Medellín is located), these amazing women have graciously welcomed me into their tight-knit and extremely special group of friends. Some of the most intelligent, funny, and warm women I know, these ladies have practiced much patience as my Spanish has evolved and held my hand during hard and beautiful times, all while taking lil trips together and playing lots and lots of Rummikub. To say I'm grateful for these women would be an understatement. I thought I hit the Colombian lottery by meeting Tania, but my growing friendship with the Polis has been the most invaluable community to make me feel at home here.
The ladies from my writing class. To continue the development of my memoirI started an online life story writing class, which turned out to be ten beautifully aging women and me. This community, which meets weekly, has been an absolute gift. I have listened to incredible life stories, gotten valuable feedback about my book, and created a safe space for women of many generations to grow. As I've learned to feel more comfortable with my own history, I feel thankful that these women have allowed me to share my wild, weird, and sometimes racy stories, with no judgement.
Frieda. Through a bit of happenstance, I met Frieda, a gringa who I once mistook as a Paisa. I have friend fallen in love with this girl. Whether we're cooking, sunbathing, or hanging in the park together, Frieda has taught me having an extranjera (foreigner) friend is really important. Frieda and I bond over leaving our home countries in search of creating a genuine Colombian life in Medellín.
My coaching clients. While not naming anyone specifically, this year I have been incredibly humbled by the clients I have coached (in English and Spanish), which has been a huge learning process in something I've never formally done. Seeing the progress and growth of those I have been in contact with has been more rewarding than I ever could have imagined. Know someone who could benefit from professional or get-shit-done coaching? Send them my way!
Get Shit Done Club. While my friendship with Alejo and Tania (founding members of the Get Shit Done Club) is not new, our solidified friendship continues to make me feel like home here. Between the two of them, anything I need support or help with, they are here for me. We started and finished the year with healing camping trips. I wouldn't be Sacha (what I go by in Colombia) without them, and I'm thankful to have them by my side as I continue to grow here.
John and Melly. While my Portland crew has been instrumental in my identity shift, John and Melly were newish friends that I had the pleasure of getting to know better and grow a friendship with in a short amount of time. We took advantage of what we could while I was visiting Portland this summer and we continue to flourish as long-distance friends, something more important than ever.
Sinan. When Sinan asked for my phone number after midnight at a Halloween rave, I told him I didn't hang out with foreigners. Nonetheless, he persisted, and my friendship with him has proven to be a special one, which has allowed me to practice communication, boundaries, and truly being 100% myself from the minute I met him. While he is not currently in Colombia, Sinan reminds me how exciting it is that I'll get to fall in love with so many people that I haven't met yet.
My grief group. Continuing to practice death awareness, this year I started hosting a grief group through TheDinnerParty.org. Along with the four other people in our group, all closely affected by suicide, we meet monthly to check in, meditate, practice gratitude, and talk about hard things that some people just can't relate to. This community, while all remote through Zoom, has reminded me of the importance of support through strangers. We are stronger together, especially as we share and discuss issues with people who have experienced life in the same way.
Not on this list? I definitely still love you deeply. There are a lot of other people who I feel incredibly close with, many of whom I've become closer with this year. My family is my everything, I miss my nieces tremendously and it's probably the hardest thing about living away from home - being away from them. I am so thankful for my friendships, near and far, and for those who I don't see often, I am grateful for technology. Friendship doesn't always have to be about proximity, and my gratitude for my community is deeper than ever.
Wishing you a better 2022.
📹 Watch my OneSecondEveryday from 2021 here: 2021OneSecondEveryday -----------------------------
En 2021 me di cuenta de que soy una persona muy pequeña en este planeta muy precioso de siete billones de personas. No tengo muchas ganas de compartir todas “las cosas” que hice este año porque todo se siente muy insignificante a comparación de lo qué está pasando en el mundo.
Lo que sí quiero decir es que he aprendido mucho, solidificado mis valores, y me he convertido en una persona muy diferente (pero no te preocupes, ¡todavía soy muy yo!). Con todo el caos pasando en el mundo, más que nunca, entiendo que las conexiones y la comunidad son lo que me hacen estar tranquila y feliz. En vez de compartir mi lista anual de “cosas que hice,” me gustaría hablar sobre las personas en mi vida a quienes conocí o relaciones que construí este año que me ayudaron a sentirme más centrada y amada, mientras he hecho mi residencia en Colombia permanente.
Pipe. Al principio de 2020 conocí a Pipe de 19 años en las calles de Medellín. Lo que empezó como una amistad se convirtió en un romance muy lindo (con una diferencia de 16.5 años!) y ahora somos amigos otra vez. Pipe es una de las personas más maduras con las que he salido y, como resultado, nuestra amistad se ha convertido en una de las amistades más fructíferas que tengo. A veces, las interacciones pequeñas crean relaciones duraderas.
Las Polis. En febrero de 2021 tuve suerte de que me invitaron a un viaje a Santa Marta, Colombia con siete amigas de Tania, que se llaman las Polis. Todas son Paisas (gente de Antioquia, donde está Medellín), estas mujeres increíbles me han acogido amablemente en su grupo de amigas muy cercanas y muy especiales. Son de las mujeres más inteligentes, graciosas, y cariñosas que conozco. Estas peladas han sido muy pacientes a medida que mi español ha evolucionado y me han tomado de la mano durante los momentos difíciles y hermosos, todo mientras hacíamos viajes pequeños juntas y jugabamos mucho y mucho Rummikub. Decir que estoy agradecida por estas mujeres no le hace justicia. Pensé que había ganado la lotería Colombiana cuando conocí a Tania, pero mi amistad creciente con las Polis ha sido la comunidad más invaluable en hacerme sentir como en casa.
Las mujeres de mi clase de escritura. Para continuar el desarrollo de mi autobiografía empecé una clase de escritura en línea. La clase es de diez mujeres viejitas, y yo. Esa comunidad, que tiene reuniones cada semana, ha sido un regalo. He escuchado historias de vida increíbles, he recibido feedback valioso de mi libro, y hemos creado un espacio seguro para mujeres de muchas generaciones para crecer. A medida que he aprendido a sentirme más cómoda con mi propia historia, me siento agradecida de que estas mujeres me han permitido compartir mis historias salvajes, extrañas, y a veces, picantes, sin juzgar.
Frieda. Por un poco de casualidad, conocí a Frieda, una gringa a la que una vez confundí con Paisa. Me enamoré de esta chica como una amiga. Ya sea que estemos cocinando, tomando el sol, o parchando en el parque juntas, Frieda me ha enseñado que tener una amiga extranjera es muy importante. Frieda y yo tenemos en común que hemos salido de nuestro país, buscando crear una vida Colombiana autentica en Medellín.
Mis clientes de coaching. Sin nombrar a nadie específicamente, este año mis clientes de coaching (en inglés y español) me han dado una lección de humildad increíble, lo que ha sido un proceso de aprendizaje en algo que nunca había hecho formalmente. Ver el progreso y el crecimiento de aquellos con los que he estado en contacto ha sido más gratificante de lo que podría haber imaginado. ¿Conoces a alguien que pueda beneficiarse de coaching profesional? ¡Enviamelos!
Get Shit Done Club. Aunque mi amistad con Alejo y Tania (miembros fundadores del Get Shit Done Club) no es nueva, nuestra fuerte amistad continúa haciéndome sentir como en casa acá. Entre ellos dos, cualquier cosa con la que necesite ayuda o apoyo, se que están acá para mi. Empezamos y terminamos el año con viajes de campamento curativo. No sería Sasha (mi nombre aca) sin ellos, y estoy muy agradecida de tenerlos a mi lado a medida que sigo creciendo aca.
John y Melly. Mientras mi crew de Portland ha sido instrumental en mi cambio de identidad, John y Melly eran amigos nuevos a los que tuve el placer de conocer mejor y desarrollar una amistad dentro de un tiempo corto. Aprovechamos el tiempo que tuvimos mientras estaba visitando Portland este verano y seguimos floreciendo como amigos a distancia, algo más importante que nunca.
Sinan. Cuando Sinan me pidió mi número de teléfono después de medianoche en una fiesta de Halloween, le dije que no pasaba tiempo con extranjeros. Sin embargo, él persistió, y mi amistad con él ha demostrado ser muy especial, lo que me ha permitido practicar la comunicación, los límites, y ser 100% yo misma desde el minuto que nos conocimos. Aunque él no está en Colombia, Sinan me recuerda que tan emocionante es que voy a enamorarme de personas que no conozco.
Mi grupo de duelo. Mientras sigo practicando mi conciencia de la muerte, este año empecé a ser anfitriona de un grupo de duelo (luto) a través de TheDinnerParty.org. Con las otras cuatro personas en nuestro grupo, todos afectados por el suicidio de alguien cercano, nos reunimos cada mes para saludarnos, meditar, practicar la gratitud, y hablar de cosas dificiles con las que algunas personas no se pueden relacionar. Esta comunidad, de Zoom, me ha recordado la importancia del apoyo entre extraños. Somos más fuertes juntos, especialmente cuando compartimos y hablamos de asuntos con otras personas que han experimentado la vida de la misma manera.
¿No estás en esta lista? Definitivamente todavía te amo muy profundamente. Hay muchas otras personas con las que me siento muy cercana, muchas con quienes me he vuelto más cercana este año. Mi familia es todo para mí, y extraño a mis sobrinas tremendamente. Probablemente sea la cosa más difícil de vivir fuera de mi país. Estoy muy agradecida por mis amistades, cerca y lejos, y por las personas a quienes no veo muy frecuentemente, gracias a Dios por la tecnología. La amistad no siempre es de proximidad, y mi gratitud por mi comunidad es más profunda que nunca. Espero que tengas un año mejor en 2022.
Shonna(Sacha)land News 2020 🇨🇴
While my plans for 2020 were always a bit unclear, I have to chuckle when I look back at my 2019 newsletter and see that I wrote this: “Wishing you a wonderful year of clarity in 2020.” Ha! Oh man, where do I even begin? Well, maybe I’ll start by talking about what went well this year. The beginning of the year started off pretty standard for me (aka travel and fun):
I had a beautiful trip to Panama with my sister
I did some in-person group Spanish classes in Medellín
I flew to Miami to go to my first ever regional Burning Man (HOLY SHIT IT WAS AMAZING)
Sasha came to visit me in Colombia (HOLY SHIT, ALSO AMAZING)
I experienced my first Colombia Burn (not official, but equally unreal)
I went to Mexico City and Oaxaca for a friend’s wedding. I lost my wallet upon arrival (for the record, I’ve lost my wallet 10 times and gotten it back every time except this time! It was bound to happen), ate some delicious food, danced the night away at my friends’ wedding, and touted that Coronavirus was not a big deal and everyone should stop freaking out.
On March 9, I arrived back to a very eerie Medellin (where I was living after traveling to Mexico for the wedding), where people were starting to stop kissing each other’s cheeks to say hello, and people were starting to get concerned. On the same day, my dad arrived home from New York after teaching in person at Columbia University. Two days after he arrived home, he wasn’t feeling well. It got worse, and then worse. He developed a fever, and at this point, we were pretty sure it was Covid, which was still very new in the US. Things started closing down in Medellin, and I needed to make a decision about whether or not to leave. The government and my community in the US wanted me to come back, but I really didn’t want to leave Medellin. BUT my dad was pretty sick, we were pretty sure it was Covid, and I didn’t want anything to happen and not be there with him. Medellin enforced a 3-day lockdown. I moved out of my Airbnb and into my Colombian best friend’s (Tania) parents' house and bought a ticket to fly home. I cried and cried as I was not ready to leave, but felt it was the right thing to do. Tania and I spent 3 magical days together before I packed up my things again and left for the airport.
I arrived at the airport to find out that my flight to Los Angeles was cancelled. I was stuck in Colombia. Then my dad finally officially tested positive for Covid, although at that point thankfully he had recovered (after 3 weeks of being super sick!). Luckily my mom never got it.
I spent the next 9 weeks in the comfort of Tania’s family’s house. We cooked, crafted, and danced A LOT. I learned how DJ equipment works, we threw a virtual birthday party for her. I taught workout classes, we made friends with the neighbors. I facetimed friends and family in the States, did HOURS AND HOURS of Spanish classes online. Tania and I performed a 7 minute virtual dance recital. I did laps and laps of running and walking in the parking lot of their condo complex since we were not supposed to go outside, even to exercise. I dressed up and danced at morning dance parties with Daybreaker. One day a week we could leave the house to go to the grocery store! What an adventure!
I learned so much from Tania and her family and the first couple of months of quarantine were pretty blissful for me. Tan and I laughed so much. I didn’t feel sad or scared. My dad had recovered and I was thankful to be in Medellin, especially as shit started unfolding in the United States. Those 9 weeks went by so fast, and also so slow. Despite things feeling pretty easy, in May 25% of Airbnb’s staff was laid off, including a majority of my friends who were still working there. Even though I had quit in November 2019, it was still devastating and I tried to support my friends and family as much as possible. Through moments of ease and happiness, I still felt far away from home, and struggled with living through my generation’s first pandemic in another country.
Eventually I decided to take a humanitarian flight back to the States. I had planned to come back to Portland, Oregon for the summer anyway, and knew it’d be helpful to my sister if I was there to watch the girls. Of course I also missed them a lot.
I flew home on May 23, arrived in San Francisco on May 24, and on May 25 George Floyd was murdered. I was living at my parent’s house in the middle of nowhere, mostly locked down with way too much time on my hands. I became consumed with educating myself on stuff I should have known about and fell into a mentally challenging time. I was transitioning from being in Medellin/with Tania to being in the States where Covid was a dumpster fire. The social justice movement was firing up nationally (internationally too), and I wanted be in the streets to protest and show my support.
Little did I know that the protests and activism would continue every single day for 100+ days in Portland, my next home. My mom and I drove 13 hours from my hometown in Central California to Portland, where I found my safe haven back in the attic of my sister’s house. There, I went into “mom” mode, as I took on responsibilities watching my nieces 1 - 2 days a week helping out Cara (my sister) and Dustin (her husband), as they both work outside of the home. The days were long, I still suck at cooking, but the time with those girls was priceless. Harlan is still young (almost 6) but I’m hoping the time we had together singing songs and dancing and crafting and being silly will be a time she never forgets. Noah is almost 9 now and they’ve grown into amazing tiny humans that I can’t imagine my life without.
I filled my summer volunteering at the protests in town and it was really inspiring to see the progressive city of Portland activate, especially given it’s deep-rooted racist history. I stood at the justice building as the Trump-ordered feds tear gassed us. It felt like I was in the Hunger Games, but it was real life. At the same time the news was sensationalizing what was happening. Yes, the city was activating, but it was almost all non-violent and it wasn’t a “war” zone, the way many news outlets portrayed it to be. At the end of the day I was thankful to be experiencing what was happening in real time, even though it was intense.
During the summer I also spent time with my tight-knit community of Airbnb and Burning Man friends camping and dressing up, even when there was no good reason. I also was fortunate enough to take a 3.5 week road trip to California, camping along the way, seeing friends outdoors, opening my mind, enjoying nature, and dressing up. It was incredible.
Given how hard this year has been for so many, more than ever I have felt overwhelming gratitude in my life. My friends, my family, NATURE. Through this I also found work, which I was not expecting. When I quit my job in November 2019 I started free consulting and meeting with folks who are working on values and/or mission-driven work because it was interesting and fun. It turns out I actually know some shit. So what was first free advice has turned into my small consulting business: Shonna Sommer Consulting. The first two contracts I received fell into my lap from two ex-Airbnbers and I'm not sure how much or what type of work I'll do in the future. Both of the gigs are values/mission-driven work, which feels valuable and rewarding. I finished one contract and the other is a six month part-time contract doing project management to launch a social purpose for a hotel group.
What I've realized this year is that if I work a little (currently 10 hours/week) I can afford to pay my living expenses and give my time to other things such as volunteering, child care, teaching workout classes, coaching, etc. Basically, I can give my time to other people, which is how I want to spend my time right now. I recognize all of this has been afforded due to my privilege and my past experience, but I’m at least thankful I'm putting my energy into things I believe make a difference.
Right now I'm supporting two non-profits with my volunteering time. One is called VidaAfrolatina, and they support Black and Afro-decendent women in Latin America who have experienced sexual violence. Lori (the director) has built this organization on her own and I’m so proud of what she’s doing to support Black women in Latin America. I also recently got involved with an organization called Latin American Leadership Academy (LALA), which creates educational leadership experiences and other educational opportunities to Latin youth to create ethical leaders in the world. I am inspired by both of the organizations and feel really thankful to be able to give my time to them.
This year has been a whirlwind. I've learned to love in new ways and changed my perspective about the world. I am thankful for the election results, but simultaneously feeling compassion towards many people in the world struggling right now. The long-term effects of this pandemic are grave, and many we can’t yet imagine.
I returned to live back in Medellin in early December. My heart is here and my journey for fluency and residency in Latin America is still my dream. Lots has changed and some has remained the same. More than ever my life values and philosophy have gifted me this year of growth, balance, and resiliency. Life is short. If that wasn’t apparent before, I hope maybe it’s more clear now. Maybe that’s the clarity I was wishing in 2020: to live--because the end could be around the corner. I’m trying to love as hard as I can. I want to give to my community and learn and grow. I have picked up more skills this year than I think I have in the last 10. Oh and I bought a LED light whip, which has transformed my inner child. (also, related/unrelated watch Disney’s SOUL).
There’s so much more I want to say, but alas, this newsletter is already far too long. I hope you are well and most importantly healthy. Please take care of your mind, body and soul. It’s more important than ever. That being said, I hope you are able to find ways to bring joy to your life, stability during this difficult time, and the ability to help others if/however possible. My gratitude for my life, surroundings, nature, and my community is deep. I hope you find peace in your-land too. 🇨🇴 Feel free to read more about my experiences in Colombia here: colombia updates 📹 Watch my OneSecondEveryday from 2020 here: 2020OneSecondEveryday
Shonnaland News 2019
I will summarize this year in one word: movement.
And I’m going to rapid-fire share what and how I've been moving in 2019, before I share my reflections on this crazyamazing year where... I moved a lot (and wrote less).
January: the back of my head (and two of my custom-made sequin hats) were in National Geographic magazine (with Alex Honnold on the cover!)
February: I moved on from the guy that I was dating. I met and moved on with several other people throughout the year. Dating is hard when you’re moving all the time, but I'm hopeful I’ll find love eventually
February: I snowboarded off the back of an SUV, then we got stuck in Tahoe for a couple days... so much snow!
March: I had an amazing reunion with some of my very best girlfriends - my clutch! I could not get through life without them!
April: Sash and I threw a really special house concert for our friend Conner Cherland (check him out!) the night before I moved away from San Francisco
April: I moved to Portland. The adventure to get there was hilarious, scary, fun, tiring, and wonderful. Big thanks to Sash and Chels for making the journey with me
May: Went on a super last minute trip to Brazil for work. Holy wow. Hang gliding is one of the most exhilarating things I've ever done in my life
June: I watched my “little sister”, Tanya, graduate high school. I was proud. And I bedazzled her graduation cap.
June: Sash and I walked 16 miles overnight for suicide awareness in San Francisco
Summer: I led/taught some workout classes for friends/coworkers in Portland. What a blast!
Summer: I made a shit ton of hats. Even a special one for Richard Branson
August: Helped plan and coordinate my best friend's wedding with 3.5 weeks to pull of the whole thing. We did it!
August/September: I had the opportunity to take 9 weeks off for a work sabbatical
August: I had an amazing “senior” year at Burning Man (aka year four)
September: Went to Colombia for 5 days to scope out Medellin and spanish schools
September: Hiked 15 miles at “Clouds Rest” on a perfectly sunny day in Yosemite with dad
November: Spent a special Thanksgiving with family and friends in Visalia - one last goodbye
December: I moved to Medellin, Colombia
This year was strangely easy. Like almost too easy. I moved twice, I quit my job, I left my friends and family, and yet somehow I've been more at ease and more tranquilla than ever. I feel endless amounts of luck and gratitude.
That being said, this year I lost my 2nd dad—Katie's father, Bo. His long battle with cancer finally ended in October, and while cancer is always hard, I'm really thankful for the time I got to spend with him near the end of his life. Bo lived a full life, but was still taken too soon. It’s a constant reminder that life is short and we shouldn’t work our lives away. We should love and spend time with our community, and we should chase our dreams. I'm thankful for Bo who taught me love, loyalty, kindness, and zest for life.
In November, after 5.5 years I left Airbnb, and now I’m in Colombia studying Spanish full time. I have hopes of building a small bed and breakfast and hosting full time somewhere in Latin America sometime in the future. This is step one of making that happen. Read all the details here: bloggin'
I don't know what’s changed inside me—maybe it’s the mushrooms I've been experimenting with or the alcohol I'm not drinking, but I feel moved.So 2019 was kind of everything... the good, the bad, the fun, the connected. As one year should be.
For seven months this year I had the opportunity to live with my sister, her husband, and their two kids in the attic of their beautiful home in NE Portland. I've lived alone almost all my adult life and I haven’t lived with family since I was 18. I was anxious and unsure how it would all work out and I can't imagine it could have gone any better. The special time spent with the girls, belly laughs with my sister, and endless advice and venting exchanges with my brother-in-law... it was so worth it. It was exactly what I had hoped for: be in touch with my family. build community. feel close. save money. and then leave with all the goodness!
Of all the stuff I do in a calendar year, the end of this year has me reflecting on the people and relationships I have built even as I’ve moved about the cabin. I don't think this year would have been as easy if I didn't have the community I do - near and far, new and old. People are what drive me to make moves. They are what make me alive and what make me grow. So thank you for any and all you’ve done to make me feel loved.
As I didn’t (and still don’t) have my own space most of this year, I’m missing the ability to host. I stopped game nights and dinner parties and I feel like I took a lot from others this year, rather than the normal hosting/giving I usually love. I’m definitely feeling ready to host other people, and hoping as my language gets better I’ll be able to Airbnb Experience host here in the near future. Already I’m loving playing tour guide for friends and travelers in Medellin, so if you’re feeling an itch, the weather is always summery and warm here—come visit! Wishing you a wonderful year of clarity in 2020. While I’ve purposely chosen to “escape” the US, I am hopeful for a better future for our country. Thank you to those who are planning to work on the campaign this year. Fingers crossed.
Shonnaland News 2018
What. a. year. A great year. A year of change, movement, and growth. When I read back on my 2017 newsletter, it feels generic, surface level. So maybe 2018 was about authenticity. Who knows. But here goes.
This year kicked off with one of my favorite events in life: Sasha’s Boat Mitzvah. Inspired by my best friend Suzie’s double quinceanera for her 30th (15x2), Sash and I devised a plan to throw a double bat mitzvah for her 26th (13x2). And what better way to celebrate? On a boat, replicating the floating adventure for her actual bat mitzvah. There was over 90 people on the boat with our moms, dads and friends and family of all ages. Ahoy vey - what a success! Ridiculous speeches, a terrifying low-ceilinged hora and a very silly flash mob. Sash and I have plans of one day opening a production company... I think this event solidified our confidence to make this a reality in the future.
In February I packed two suitcases and headed to Asia for 3.5 months. I asked Airbnb if I could work remotely since 1/3 of my team at the time was there, plus I had a direct report in Tokyo. And most importantly, I love Asia. I spent 5 weeks in Singapore, 5 weeks in Japan and 2 weeks in South Korea, book ending vacation in Cambodia and the Philippines. I just want to say I know I’m so spoiled to have this opportunity from Airbnb. I recognize I work for an incredible company and am grateful on the daily they let me do this. Not only do I love everything Asian (the people, the culture, the food, etc.), I was so excited to live outside of the country (my first time) in a place I adore so much.
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I learned during my time away. I had so much headspace to think about so many things I couldn’t when I was in my way-too-busy day-to-day life in SF. I spent a lot of time alone, a lot of time with new people, and had to adapt to ever changing routines, Airbnbs, countries and cultures. I met incredible people who humbled me beyond belief. I changed perspectives about long distance relationships, realized I was ready to leave San Francisco, and learned a lot about how non-Americans see Americans. I appreciated this time so much because it gave me the opportunity to think outside my bubble. A bubble I was choosing to live in (and a good one at that), but a bubble that needed to be tested and challenged.
I left Asia with a full heart (the people are so hospitable and warm), a round belly (Asian food, need I say more?), and a clearer understanding of my direction upon my return. I am thankful for a random girl I met (a friend of a friend) who helped change my outlook about moving cities. I realized that moving isn’t permanent, I can move somewhere and move again if I don’t like it. She had moved to Singapore without ever visiting before, which really inspired me. She also helped me change my mindset about my ability to learn Spanish. Meeting so many people who spoke multiple languages made me embarrassed of only speaking English, so she convinced me to stop telling myself I was bad at language and practice. So now I’m taking Spanish classes, even though I’m back in a beginner class.
My time abroad was invaluable… however, I also missed my friends and strong social connections. Upon my return, I retreated to my parents’ house and invited 50+ people to camp in their backyard for a weekend I called CAMP SHONNA BURN, or Shonnaburn. Half camp, half Burning Man; I wanted to share my experiences of Burning Man with my friends and family in a shorter, and less dusty environment. Shonnaburn was a multi-generational event. Harlan, Noah and some other tiny humans joined, along with some of my parent's friends (who slept in the house). We cooked a shit ton of meat in the deep pit, did a run/swim biathlon, 30-person yoga, a ridiculously nonsensical bunny march, enjoyed a home-cooked, giant family dinner and on Saturday night, we burned the "Shonna": a 5’2” version of me that my friend Chelsea made, symbolizing radical self-expression and letting go. Friends joined from all walks of my life and it will be a weekend I’ll never forget.
Upon returning to San Francisco in mid-June, I had a bit of culture shock and quickly realized I was right: my time in SF had come to an end. San Francisco was over for me. Around this time a work opportunity came up that had my name written all over it, so I applied and when offered the job, requested to move to Portland in April 2019.
My new role is in recruiting (civil engineering to solar to risk/fraud to recruiting... what?!). I now manage a program to ensure we hire employees who share Airbnb’s values. It’s a totally different role and I’m loving the new challenges. I’m so thankful I made the tough decision to leave my team after 4 years... sometimes it’s just time to move on.
I spent the summer in a bit of isolation, attempting to slow down, be more spontaneous and start a new business: HausOfShonna. I started making these ridiculous rhinestone hats for myself for Burning Man 2016 and after spending way too much money on rhinestones I decided I needed to take this hobby and turn it into a side gig. So, I hot glued thousands of rhinestones and sold 14 hats this year! This funded my Burning Man ticket, paid for all my supplies, I donated $200 to support crafting for kids with cancer, and I made a lil extra on the side. It was a really fun and challenging learning experience, and I hope to continue the business into 2019. Let me know if you want one! I do friends and family discounts!
I also removed myself from social media for 3 months, which was an interesting experiment. I generally didn’t miss it or feel like I was missing out, but also I realize it's somewhat important for me given I don’t live close to a lot of my friends and family. So I’m on sparingly now, which is difficult considering how addicting it is. This experiment, mixed with all the heads down crafting and isolation left a highly-extroverted Shonna very vulnerable, heading into Burning Man year three with not enough social interaction. This caused a somewhat difficult time at Burning Man, but amazing nonetheless. I came home more confused and unsure of myself than ever, a combination of being abroad, too little social interaction, wanting to date more, changed friendships and too much time on my hands. I came home sad, lonely and self-conscious. So I immediately started seeing a new therapist and focused on self-love, a practice I’m really grateful for and that has turned my thoughts and ideas about myself around. I’m in a much better place now, but it’s also a constant practice that I think about almost daily. What I’ve learned is that by choosing to love and accept myself, I can be more loving and accepting of others. It’s a win win situation. It took real work to realize this and turn it into positive change, so this practice will continue for me in 2019 and beyond.
The last few months have been spent hanging with my friends, traveling (I’m officially finally over business travel), hanging with my family in Portland and Santa Barbara, dating and working out. After reading the book “Attached”, I finally realized that I’m open and ready to find a partner, knowing these things take time and finding the right person matters. And I am also open to relationships that are non-traditional, because we all know I’m not the most traditional person. All that being said, given I’m moving to Portland in early April and dreams of moving to South America soonish to study Spanish, romance has taken an interesting turn for me. I’m focusing on spending time with people I enjoy. It’s been fruitful for that, and I am thankful. My 2018 dating lesson: ask people out - it pays off! Right now I’m dating someone I gave my number to in a parking lot!
In 2018 I experienced a lot of new things, crafted a ton and got really into personal conservation of plastic, realizing plastic has a long and sad life here on earth. I also really enjoyed spending time with my little sister through Big Brother Big Sister. She’s graduating high school this year, which blows my mind. Those kids, they grow up so fast!
2018 was a truly challenging, but positive year. Not just for me, but for those close to me. New jobs, self-realizations, struggles with cancer, new puppies... it’s been big. My family is well and the girls are getting bigger and more adorable. The Sommer Airbnb treehouse will be opening soon (designed and built by Barry), so let us know when you want to visit Visalia!
In April I’ll move into the attic of my sister’s house in Alberta (NE Portland) and Noah (almost 7) and Harlan (3.75) will be my roomies! I’ll be working for Airbnb in the 400-person Portland office, compared to the 2,500 campus in SF. I’m excited about the change! Come visit this summer!!
Shonnaland News 2017
Well, 2017 was... a year. For everyone. Politically and environmentally, too much was destroyed and even more is threatened. Even though I have always considered myself an optimist, I am also a realist and I firmly believe we’re in a really sad and destructive time in history. So as I try to sum up my year, I try to recognize that even though I live a privileged, sometimes sheltered life where I never worry about food or health care, much of the world is in a delicate and painful state. So this year I donated some of my extra money to Puerto Rico, fire victims, Planned Parenthood and other organizations that hopefully can help and support people in need. But at the end of the day - and year - I can’t help but feel like I’m not doing enough.
With that said, I continue to live life. In vain or not, we only live once. I started the year hosting Airbnb employees from all over the world in San Francisco for a 4,000 person company-wide event. Sasha and I hosted a dinner, and I was a troop leader for 6 employees. We hosted a global Okay Coffee pop up and I helped organize a really fun and rewarding global flash mob. Airbnb is growing and with that comes change. Even though there have been some growing pains, I’m trying my best to help preserve the unique culture. This year I helped organize the 2nd annual talent show, participated in giving free advice to employees, and helped organize the Halloween costume contest (because you know, Halloween is my favorite). I am constantly trying to find ways to keep things fun at work… because fun work = happy people!
Later in January my bff Chris and I headed to the tiny island of Molokai in Hawaii and it was an absolute dream. It was a short trip but incredibly worth it. Molokai is really different than most of Hawaii and we enjoyed the island practically to ourselves in a beautiful Airbnb that had a backyard open to the water. You can read more about this trip, here.
After a 9 year hiatus from snowboarding I finally made it to Tahoe (my first time ever in the winter!) two weekends in a row. Sporting my friend’s vintage 80’s onesie, I somehow managed to sprain my MCL and ended up in physical therapy for 3 months, not being able to work out. I definitely realized I’ve turned into one of those people who actually likes working out and gets very antsy without it. I’ve never imagined myself to be like this, but I guess it’s a good habit, eh? Despite the injury, I hope to get back on my board this month. Wish me luck!
In late March I headed on my annual work trip to Asia, visiting Singapore and Japan. I was incredibly lucky to catch Japan at peak cherry blossom season. I was in Kyoto for a few days by myself and was captivated by the tiny pink and white blossoms that bring the country alive. This was a really special experience and I’d highly recommend adding it to your bucket list.
Spring was a whirlwind of San Francisco festivals, beautiful weather, and that time I literally fell on my face at the Bay 2 Breakers “race” climbing over a fence to see a boy I liked. Not the best moment of 2017, but you know, shit happens.
Summer arrived and for my 33rd birthday (ahem 26) I threw myself a Moana themed birthday party at the park and I felt just like a kid, per usual. If you haven’t seen Moana, please do me a favor and see it! In July I went to Dublin for work and last minute decided to add on 4 days in Portugal as I was going through a bit of a rough time and needed a little pick-me-up. I spent two days in Lisbon and two days in Porto and completely fell in love with the country. I definitely want to go back and spend more time there... also highly recommend! It’s still relatively inexpensive, the scenery was beautiful and the food was delicious. I hear the wine is good too, but you know, I’m not much of a drinker so I kind of missed out on that.
In August we crafted, prepared and packed up for year two at Burning Man. I was excited and anxious because my first year was not exactly great.Thankfully, year two was completely different and I had a really incredible time. I spent time with friends, dressed in tons of costumes and embraced desert life. You can read more about my experience, here.
The rest of the year was mostly filled with a lot of Daybreaker dance parties, enjoying events sober and sometimes solo, making new friends and trying to experience San Francisco as much as possible. I also spent a lot of time with my family and nieces this year, which is always a pleasure. We spent a few days in New York for my sister’s birthday and I spent a few weeks in Portland playing with the girls, who make me laugh almost every day.
2017 was definitely a year of change for me, and as a result I suffered from my own growing pains. In April my manager of three years left Airbnb and I took on a new role starting a new team on Trust and Safety. I’m now managing two project managers in two different time zones (both different than mine), and trying improve a broken, but important process to help support 800 Trust and Safety investigators and crisis response managers across the globe. It’s been super challenging, but also rewarding... just a lot of work to do while trying to learn to be a great, new manager!
My community in San Francisco crumbled a bit this year. Relationships and friendships are always changing, but I definitely had some big adjustments this year as it relates to my community, so I’m looking for new and closer friends in 2018. I luckily became closer with a lot of coworkers, including a small group of girls (literally small, we’re all under 5’2”) that I have really enjoyed spending time with. We vowed to meet more people in real life so started a monthly outing called IRL (in real life) where we attempted to go out after work and meet people in real life. It sometimes worked and sometimes just ended up with us hanging out together, but either way it’s been good to learn to invest in new friends and realize how my needs have changed over time. So yeah, definitely a year of change.
On a positive note, I was finally matched with a little sister through Big Brothers, Big Sisters. I had applied in 2014 and after a lengthy interview and thorough background check, I finally got accepted! Tanya is 16 and a really cool kid. We got matched in August and hang out about every other week. We usually craft or check out something random in SF. It’s been really rewarding and I’m thankful to finally have a little sister (that I never had!).
Last year I also vowed to try and date more. The beginning of the year was a bit rough with a lot of rejection, but I can honestly say I put the effort in and had some really good experiences. There are always ups and downs, but I enjoyed meeting some new and interesting people and am hopeful for more roller coasters in 2018.
All this being said, I’m excited to put this year behind me, even though it was one of growth. I spent a lot of time solo this year (Kyoto, Portugal and a number of random nights/events in SF) and have learned the benefits and downsides, but ultimately feel it’s helped me understand myself better. I am so thankful and lucky to live in such a wonderful city, working for an interesting company, and surrounded by a community (near and far) that loves and supports me. I also am thankful I can give back (in a number of ways) and do as much as I can with what I have.
This year I’m thrilled to have the opportunity move abroad for three months for work. I’ll be in Singapore, Tokyo, and Seoul for a month each, starting in mid-February. I hope to do a lot of travel on the weekends and in between, so look out for some fun and funny updates that are sure to make for some really great stories.
Here are some quick facts and things that summed up my year (since you know, I love lists):
2017 Highlights: seeing Waitress in New York with my family, seeing the cherry blossoms in Japan, meeting Tanya, Burning Man, the day I went to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival then a Daybreaker dusk dance party, then danced until 2am at a Lady Gaga party… all totally sober
2017 Lowlights: getting my new phone stolen, breaking every device I own, falling down the stairs at my sister’s house and an Airbnb listing, smashing my face and every joint on the concrete climbing a fence... and like all the terrible things that happened in the world/US
Learned to or crafted: macrame, pottery painting, crochet, cookie decorating, Burning Man costumes, pasta making, sushi making, mochi making, cartoon character bento box making
Places I Visited: Tulum, Mexico; Molokai, Hawaii; Tahoe, Singapore; Japan (Kyoto and Tokyo), Portland, Montreal, Dublin, Portugal, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Austin, New York
Flights I Took: 31
Airbnb Experiences: Seven (2 in Tokyo, 1 in Portugal, 3 in San Francisco, 1 in Portland)
First Dates: 14
Ice Cream Cones I ate: uhhh, at least 70
Times I wasin a photo shoot for it in SF Magazine: One, link here.
Workout Classes: 138
2017 Obsessions: Jain, Toms majorca mules, bodysuits, this jacket, figs, Marco Polo app, royal blue mascara, breakfast tacos, Agolde jeans, the movie Moana, macrame, getting my hair french braided into two braids, Noah + Harlan
I’d like to put 2017 behind me, but I have high hopes for a year with more peace, love and acceptance. Wishing you a healthy year full of love and fun!
Shonnaland News 2016
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Shonnaland newsletter! Turning 32 was tougher than I expected. It was definitely tougher than turning 30. Something about the fact that I graduated college 10 years ago and I hang out with a bunch of 24 year olds sometimes makes me feel really old. However, I don't worry about it too much knowing I’m forever 26 and still shop at Forever 21. This year I vowed to #bringbackoldshonna, which I did (then paid for it a few times), but it was a different kind of year for me. While I still traveled a lot, dressed in crazy costumes and had plenty of shonnanagins, 2016 proved to be a year of reflection, breaks and trying new things. Also, I went blonde!
I live my life through lists and obsessively tracking nearly everything (check lists, travel lists, to do lists, workouts, kiss lists), so it seemed fitting to roll out this year’s newsletter in a similar fashion. HERE'S A LIST OF SOME FUN THINGS FROM MY 2016: Number of specific costumes: 8 (Daft Punk, a rock, Sia, Oktoberfest German girl, an Airbnbeekeper, one of 101 Dalmatians, avocado toast,Karl the fog, a dreidel) Countries I visited: 9 (Uruguay, Japan, Singapore, Bali, Ireland, France, Canada, South Korea, Mexico) Majorish cities I visited: 17 (Punte del Este, Disneyland, Tokyo, Singapore, Bali, Dublin, Paris, Napa, Portland, New York, Black Rock City/Burning Man, Toronto, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Diego, Seoul, Tulum) Flights I took: 39 New things/hobbies I tried: 6 (acro yoga, calligraphy/lettering, Burning Man, shucking oysters, developing black and white film, making candles) Number of continents I was on: 4 Pictures I uploaded to my Dropbox: 2,503 Airbnb listings I stayed in: 17 Airbnb guests I hosted: 42 Nights I let a stranger sleep in my bed (through Airbnb): 86 Airbnb offices visited: 6 (Singapore, Japan, Seoul, Portland, Dublin, New York) DaybreakersI danced at: 4 Wigs I wore: 5 Miles I walked: 2,237 Workout classes I attended: 154 Pounds I lost: 0 Times I cried over the election: 1 Times I listed to the new Lady Gaga album: 61 Times Lady Gaga stared into my eyes and sang directly to my soul: 1 Friends' babies born on my birthday weekend: 3 Facetimes with my nieces: 46 Number of Sommer + Cram holiday cards I addressed: 207
Aside from the silly laundry lists of the crazy world I create, I vowed to spend more time at home this year, and that I did. I put myself on a travel diet where I forced myself to fight the urge to travel and stay in San Francisco and wasn’t allowed to get on an airplane for 60 days. It was a little difficult but mostly really helpful. I re-discovered the beautiful city I live in, spent time with friends, and took care of myself. And as my dear Auntie Debb once taught me: when you're not running around always "busy," you are forced to reflect on yourself and your life. With the help of a new therapist whom I adore, I spent time reflecting on what I want my 30’s to be about, who I am, and what I need to be happy. It was a life diet for sure, but one that has helped me refocus and continue to question, learn and experience the new.
This all kind of came together as a test at Burning Man. If you haven't read my blog, it was a hard but amazing week for me. I didn't have a life-changing experience, but I definitely learned a lot about myself, a lot that I’m trying to work on and carry through in this life I live. If you’re interested, you can read my reflections on the week in the desert here.
During this year’s election, I was in Korea. It was hard to process being away. That being said, it's been a tough year with a lot of tragedies and violence around the world. After experiencing the Paris attacks in November 2015 it's definitely something that affects me more than it used to. While I am hopeful we will survive the next 4 years, the violence is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. What we can do is donate and volunteer to organizations that support our values and love more. I am vowing to be more kind, more considerate and more empathetic. If we do this we have a better chance of meeting in the middle and living in a better world. For Noah, for Harlan, and for our future.
Fortunately a huge part of my year (and my continued happiness) was spending quality time with my family. I spent a large portion of time in Portland this year and am heading back there next month for Noah’s 5th birthday (crazy, right?!). Harlan will be two in April and is chatting and singing away on a new ukulele I got her for Hanukkah. They’re so much fun and we had a blast this year celebrating Thanksgiving in San Diego. Noah Facetimes me and we have serious chats while Harlan runs around in the back saying "ily Gaga!" Being an aunt is the best! I also had the opportunity to spend time with Mom and Dad in San Francisco going to a Giants game, heading to the snow before Christmas, Chelsey and Eric’s wedding in New York, and a number of fun weekends in Visalia. It’s amazing that at 32 and 36, Cara and I still go on family vacations with our parents.
Everyone asks about my dating life. I suppose when you're in your mid-thirties it's normal, but I’m happy and dating when I’m home and interested. I’m more open to the idea of finding someone to spend time with, but I'm never in a rush and always knowing these things come when the timing is right. However, I love dating so if you'd like to set me up, send 'em my way! Some other randomness: I got promoted in January; Sasha threw me my first ever surprise party; I worked my tushy off and helped launch Airbnb Trips at the Airbnb Open (CHECK IT OUT); I went to a bunch of workout dance classes (I’m terrible); I personalized my own Nixon watch; I got to hang out of a helicopter while flying over Los Angeles; I helped put on the first ever Airbnb Talent Show; I ate a LOT of ice cream; we celebrated Fiesta in Santa Barbara for the idk-th number of times; I re-learned to sew; I walked for suicide awareness for the 6th time; I stayed at the base of Mt. Fuji; I spent most of the year with a watermelon phone case, blah blah blah.
Thanks for another crazyamazing year! While I did a lot of “things” and traveled a lot of places, my friends, coworkers and family are truly what make life worth living. Thank you for all the love and support you gave to make 2016 a survivable and really happy year. I’m often told that people live vicariously through me. It’s one of the best compliments someone can give. However, whatever you're doing is also crazyamazing! We’re all on different paths and we're all unique and diverse in the best way possible! Get out there and adventure! Live loud, love hard and always be learning.