52 Experiences Check-In: Q3 2024

We are one day away from October, and I can hardly wait! Crisp morning air and falling leaves hint at the cozy promise of hearty stews, warm blankets, and scary movies. Throughout Q3 2024, I often spent my days working from the balcony, soaking in the sunshine and yielding to the subtle shift from summer to fall. It’s been a great reminder to savor the last of the season while anticipating the next.

Q3 2024

Brian and I drifted through a pretty mellow summer. In the midst of our daily routines, we gradually completed planned projects and finalized travel arrangements. It seems that last quarter’s ease carried into the third. With an improved work-life balance, we’ve gained extra time and presence to really slow down and appreciate moments as they come and go. The third quarter of the year brought us to a new state, fueled our productivity, and invited us to enjoy some of our 52 experiences.

Here’s what we got into Q3 2024:

Travel

1. Venture to New Mexico

Neither one of us had traveled to New Mexico before. Santa Fe has a rich history steeped in Native American culture with Hispanic and Spanish colonial influences. It is also known for its vibrant art scene, ranking as the third largest art market in the United States. It sounded like a neat city to visit, so we ventured off to a new city in a new state.

We loved wandering downtown Santa Fe, where we discovered unique art and great hiking trails nearby. We ventured through the ancient cliff dwellings of Bandelier National Monument, surrounded by rugged canyons and wooded slopes, before reveling in the rolling meadows of Valles Caldera National Preserve. The Southwestern landscape unfolded before us with a stunning contrast between stark cliffs and lush green valleys. It’s beautiful.

2. Soak in a hot spring

Brian and I briefly debated hiking to a free natural hot spring but ultimately decided to unwind at Ojo Caliente, one of the country’s oldest natural health resorts. This Northern New Mexico spa offers nine communal hot springs rich in the healing minerals of arsenic, lithia, soda, and iron. We bought a day pass for $45 each and spent a few hours blissfully soaking. It was extremely relaxing, especially as we watched the sun set against the backdrop of the high desert landscape.

3. Visit a random, obscure museum

Holy smokes, did we have a blast at Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return! A group of artists formed Meow Wolf with the mission to create immersive art experiences that combine storytelling, technology, and mixed media. Brimming with intricate details and interactive elements, this mind-blowing art museum features large-scale installations and fantastical environments.

When visitors enter, a mysterious home greets them with a series of clues that lead them through unassuming portals to various dimensions in an interconnected story. Brian and I had the best time getting lost in this crazy-cool playground. With over 70 rooms designed by local and community artists, we had heaps of fun discovering hidden passages and whimsical murals that guided us through the experience.

Finance

4. Learn more about real estate investing

I recently joined BiggerPockets, a real estate community and platform designed to help investors grow their portfolios. I’ve appreciated all that I have learned so far through its forum and resources. I don’t plan to purchase any investment tools or premium memberships through BiggerPockets, as I prefer to simply use it for educational purchases.

Additionally, I have continued to listen to podcasts and complete my own independent research on different real estate topics. Studying real estate investing has been both fulfilling and rewarding, especially since Brian and I are actively searching for an investment property.

5. Take advantage of free access to Morningstar for investment research

Check! I used Morningstar to help me rebalance my portfolio. I spent a low-key Friday working through all of our stocks and index funds to identify key performance indicators and determine a path forward. It’s been an incredibly useful (and free!) resource!

Entertainment

6. Attend a live theater performance

Brian and I scored free tickets to The Chinese Lady, a critically acclaimed play! We borrowed a community ticket pass from the local library, which grants free admission to theater performances for up to four guests.

The Chinese Lady draws inspiration from the true story of 14-year-old Afong Moy, who became the first Chinese woman to set foot in America in 1834. American merchant brothers Nathanial and Frederick Carnes purchased her and brought her to America as a curiosity. They put her on display for a paying public, parading her as an exotic novelty. Afong Moy’s journey illustrates the intersection of cultural curiosity and exploitation in 19th-century America, shedding light on ongoing complexities faced by Asian-Americans today.

It was a deeply moving production, thoughtfully comprised of comedic moments that intricately weave in and out of the profound history of racial curiosity and belonging in America.

Intellectual

7. Read a new book series

With the third and final book released this summer, I successfully finished reading Frieda McFadden’s Housemaid series. This psychological thriller series includes The Housemaid, The Housemaid’s Secret, and The Housemaid Is Watching.

Home

8. Fix shiplap board installation

Our office features a shiplap accent wall that the previous owners installed. Unfortunately, they did not install the top board correctly. They also did not finish the inside corners. We’ve had fixing and finishing the shiplap board edges on our to-do list for a while, so we’re excited to finally tackle it!

Connection

9. Discover new music and create personal playlists

It’s been years since I’ve put together a proper playlist for myself. I was a Limewire kinda girl, so this modern convenience of “one-click access” and “themed curated playlists” is not really my thing. It’s almost too convenient! Brian, on the other hand, fully accepted this new era years ago and has been creating playlists for all kinds of occasions.

I’m a little slower. However, I’ve been steadily collecting new music and piecing them together in my own playlists. It’s still difficult to let go of finding songs and burning CDs, though…

Q3 2024 Wrap-Up

Time flies. Here we are, at the end of another quarter. The past three months have treated us well, giving us the opportunity to appreciate our downtime and make the most of each moment. From Southwestern fun to investment research and unwinding at home, we’ve enjoyed a restorative blend of adventure and productivity.

It seems a little surreal that we are just halfway through our list of 52 experiences and only a few months remain till the end of the year! Eek!

Luckily, Brian and I have some plans in motion that will help us reach our goals! While Q2 and Q3 2024 have been relatively low-key, the final quarter will be a bit busier. We hope, though, that the quiet, easy-going energy remains, despite an extra bump of activity.

How have the last three months been for you?