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Jenny_from_the's avatar

I've loved your update! 1. A solo trip is on my bucket list for sure- I love time alone and know that traveling alone will be a must-do. I'm glad to hear you recommend it, too. 2. I have been thinking about the tubal surgery as a fellow child-free woman- it's great to hear about other options for us. 3. I'm still bummed I missed you at the Santa Clara Era's show- but next time! :)

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Julie Chiou's avatar

Thank you! I hope you check that solo trip off your bucket list at some point. I think you'll love it! I'm so bummed we missed each other too, but there is ALWAYS next time!!

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Dorothy Kern's avatar

I’ve never done a solo trip except a night at Disney. It sounds amazing!

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Julie Chiou's avatar

I want to say let's do a solo trip together...but then that wouldn't be a solo trip LOL

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Amy's avatar

Glad to see you on substack as I’m also trying to avoid Meta platforms. Would also love to see book reviews and travel recaps!

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Julie Chiou's avatar

I'm totally avoiding Meta platforms too. Book reviews and travel recaps are def on the list!

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Crissy's avatar

Hi Julie!

I’m not much for engaging, as I’m more of a quiet follower… however, I have followed you for a long long time, and I was truly wondering why you were so absent. I’m so glad you and yours are doing well! 🤍 sending so many good vibes your way!

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Julie Chiou's avatar

quiet follower or not, I appreciate you reaching out and coming over to this space! i'm grateful you took the time to read and also it is so kind of you to have thought about me in my absence! looking forward to connecting!!

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Elizabeth T. Brunetti's avatar

Yay! So glad you're on this platform; I've missed you on IG but GOODNESS do I understand why you're not there! I have to be suuuuuuper careful to not get lost in the scroll.

I did a solo trip once and have been recommending it to anyone who will listen ever since. SO good for the soul!

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Julie Chiou's avatar

haha, yes!! i've been doing the same...i'm like, you HAVE to at least try it once in your life and you'll understand why!

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Julia's avatar

So glad to see you are well. I have been thinking of a solo trip and it scares me. Hope to be back in Taiwan this year again. Can't wait to hear more of book recommendations.

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Julie Chiou's avatar

truthfully, i was scared too and fear is what keeps people back! however, i think you'll actually be surprised at how not scary or weird it is. it's the spotlight effect and we think everyone is just going to be staring at us or think we're a loser b/c we're alone. omg, it's seriously THE TOTAL OPPOSITE. dining by yourself is amazing b/c you can order all the things YOU want to eat, haha

omg taiwan!! i am trying to go next year...i want to do China, HK, and Taiwan or China, Japan, and Taiwan...sigh, so many places, so little time!

can't wait to share more book reccs!!

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Josie's avatar

So glad to see updates again! I enjoy following your book instagram and have gotten a lot of good reads from you!

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Julie Chiou's avatar

yay! will definitely be posting what i've been reading soon. there have been some really good ones and also some misses, lol

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Jennifer's avatar

I looooove San Diego. I've been there several times for work. Every time I'm there I ponder if I could live there but the ground moves! LOL!

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Julie Chiou's avatar

LOL that it does!!! it's a trade-off, for sure!

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Violette's avatar

That’s a lot! Sounds like wonderful experiences the last couple of years. The bathrooms looks gorgeous.

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Julie Chiou's avatar

haha, i know! i was like, 'when do i stop writing?' - thank you for the kind words about the bathroom!

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