Sunday Somethings

Damn, it’s 2018.

That’s nuts! The other night I was watching Friends (“The One with All the Resolutions,” which is one of my faves…leather pants!) and they were celebrating 1999. NINETEEN NINETY-NINE!  I was like, in high school then. And now, here I am staring my 15-year COLLEGE reunion in the face this spring.

Looking back on 2017, my word was FORWARD, and I guess that, unknowingly, I sort of lived just that. I forgot about my word until recently, but when I went back and reflected on it, but a big fat check to that:  new job, new town, new friends, new business- in many ways, new life. It was a change that I needed after feeling stuck and stagnant for the last few years in Chicago, and Ann Arbor has pushed me forward slowly but surely into feeling calm and comfortable in my new surrounds.

All that being said, my word for 2018 is EXPLORE. 

I lived in Michigan for 4 years in high school and didn’t see the state at all. I’ve only heard of the supposedly wonderful thing that is “Up North,” and there are so many nooks and crannies and beautiful places to go right in my own back yard still sight unseen. In 2018, I’m getting out there to see it all.

The Detroit food scene is apparently a thing, and with one of my Christmas presents, I’m going to Eat the World: Detroit, doing a better job than I have so far (though, Detroit-style pizza > Chicago deep dish. You heard it here).

Vietnam. Did I mention that? It’s been 4 years since my last foray into Asia, and Lettuce, Yam and I head East in literally one month from today for our annual rest and recharge girls’ trip. #Vietnamaste.

Canada, your mountains are calling.  After watching Tomato and Biscuit’s mountain adventures in BC and Alberta, I’d love to try and make a long weekend out in the northwest, somewhere.  Fingers crossed.

Ireland & Scotland are penciled in for the fall with Mom. After her trip to Great Britain last summer, she’s addicted to my favorite isles and we’re going to see all the things and eat all the food.

I certainly have a few more trip possibilities for the next year, but they’re still mulling around in my head. These ones are a bit more solid and sure.  Hopefully!

And finally, a bit of internal exploration as well. For so long I identified as a big-city Chicagoan, and I no longer fit into that mold. Here’s to finding a bit of myself as a small town girl…there is no doubt much left to discover!

What are your resolutions for 2018? What would your word be?