Happy New Year!

"I haven't seen you in weeks! I can't wait to hear all about your trip! Let's go to lunch so we can catch up!"

"I'm tired... I just got back from vacation."

This is a REAL THING. Anyone who travels can attest to this. That's not to say it's not worth it, but, traveling can most certainly (and is usually) exhausting.

Starting January 3rd I'll be on a cruise ship traveling the world for 4 1/2 months.

I've had exactly 19 days to get ready for this trip. This probably seems like plenty of time. But, when you add the fact that I needed to obtain two visas, get several vaccinations that are nearly impossible to get last minute (at least when your primary care provider is from a small town where the county has a higher population of cows than people), and plan a suitcase that packs for 60 different ports (my jaw is still dropped as I share that)... it didn't leave me a lot of time.

I mean, I quit my job and moved out of my house for this.

Yet, somehow, by some stroke of luck, everything has gone seemingly perfect.

My roommate and landlord were so gracious with the quick move out. My supervisors from my job were supportive. I found a great deal on a last minute flight. In all, despite the fast turn around, everything has gone by smoothly.

I even had enough time to create a website and start a blog! Now, if for some reason someone other than myself reads these- let me share with you why I've started.

1: I've always loved writing. When I was a little girl I would write creative works on my stuffed rabbit- Sniffer- and his adventures that I would make up. Things like, him repelling into a volcano to save his best friend, working his way through a haunted mansion to prove to his friends he was brave... You know, the typical thing a little second grader would write about.

2: I love traveling, exploring the world. The whole cliché, "It's about the journey not the destination." Well, in my opinion, it's about all of it. It's about the planning and the organizing. But I also love being flexible and going with the flow and seeing what happens.

3: Years from now, I want to be able to look back at my writing, and remember the details from this trip that I might not remember. The small details. I kept little tidbits of jokes, stories, and outings from my study abroad in Sweden in my "notes" app on my phone. The description of the smell of the fish market in Latvia, the joy of conquering public transit in a different country on my own for the first time from the help of a kind bus driver (whose name I would have never remembered had I not written about it).

4: I have a minor in Journalism... I might as well get some use out of it.

That being said, I'm not keeping a blog with the intention of getting famous, earning money, blah blah blah. Although, I can't be too humble and must admit that it would be SO COOL!

I suppose that does leave me to 5: If someone does come across this, I want them to know it IS possible. I'm not some rich, retired (old... sorry) person that waited to enjoy life. It is possible to travel on a budget, but still have fun, at 23 years young! In my life right now, I have no other obligations than myself. I don't have a mortgage, a significant other, kids, a career. (I can already hear the haters murmuring to me that I'm not good with money, I'll never be able to retire, I need to settle down eventually). Listen, I do budget. I even have a savings account. It is possible! Ignore the negative Nancys out there, and take the leap. I KNOW there have to be others out there that want to travel, but are scared or nervous. If that's you, and by some stroke of the universe stars aligned and you're reading this, I hope I help give you the courage to pack your bags!

ANYWAY, now that I've spent the last two weeks in a flustered frenzy trying to prepare for this trip- I'm officially ready.

*sigh of relief*

Now, I spend my last night at my childhood home.

Home.

It's such a funny word because of the associations we make with it.

For me, it's my mom listening to the Classic Country channel quietly in the background while my stepdad snores in his recliner for his afternoon nap. It's my dog Charlie's warmth against my leg while he cuddles up next to me with the midday sun peaking through the lace window curtains accented with flowers. It's sharing a kalimotxo with my mom one last time, while the aroma of her homemade lasagna fills the room.

So, this is how I'm spending my last night at home...

Until next time, likely on a ship deck.

-Tay