Love Hard Laugh Harder

2024 has been an unexpected year of firsts for me. I got my first passport, went on my first international trip, had COVID for the first time, traveled with my current job for the first time, and finally visited Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Most of those firsts have been exciting, but I could have done without COVID. 

Sometimes, when I close my eyes, I can feel the quiet presence of Rome’s old buildings and cobblestone streets. I left a part of my heart in Italy, and nothing will bring it back. A part of me lives there now. I am wandering the narrow, winding streets, drinking the tiniest but tastiest shot of espresso, eating hazelnut gelato, and taking in history with every view. I know that Italy is a place I will return to time and again.

My work trip took me to California, a state I had not visited in a decade or longer. I love California, and if I could get my family to move with me, I’d live there to avoid Michigan’s winters. Granted, the threat of earthquakes, wildfires, drought, and the like is enough to give me pause. Still, it was great to visit. I saw coworkers I enjoyed and spent time with my cousin, a woman I had never met before but had a blast with. 

Going to the UP was terrific. First off, it was a good road trip in my Jeep. It’s also the longest I’ve ever driven in a car, solo or otherwise. Being on the open road felt empowering, jamming to my music and taking in the color change. The views were breathtaking, especially after I went over the Mackinac Bridge and had the Lake Michigan coastline to my left. 

One of my closest friends has lived in the UP for 6 years this month. This trip was my first time visiting her. I was long overdue, but in the past, my home situation didn’t make the trip feasible. I could have gone, but I would not have been able to relax or enjoy myself, knowing my needy dogs would have driven my sister insane. 

My soul needed to get away for that four-day weekend; there was no need for alarms, slow-rolling into the day, not to mention time in nature. While I don’t see myself returning to the UP until spring, it is definitely a place I’ll visit again. Spending time with my friend reconnecting was restorative as well. 

After all the new ground covered in 2024, I’m not sure how I’ll top it in 2025 but I have a few ideas.