We have completed our first full year as Michiganders. We have never been ones to make resolutions, but as we get older we find ourselves moving more in that direction. If not, resolutions then bucket lists creep more into our lexicon. Maybe it’s just a “what do you want to do?” question that leads to contemplation as we get older and increasingly value time over money.
We love Michigan. It is the bluest state we have ever lived in. We miss Kansas. I think our aesthetic favors the plains. We have made many new friends here and have had to pivot our dining away from Mexico to Asia. We have a lot of exploring to do. We plan to explore Detroit and the lakes more in the coming year.
I tried SCUBA for the first time in Jordan and got certified in November. I tried Parasailing for the first time in New Jersey. Both of these were amazing experiences and things I want to do more of. As time marches on, I am slightly ashamed I waited so long for the first time. What next: skydiving?
By the numbers:
Six COVID shots: Beginning in April of 2021 and the last coming on Labor Day. I also added flu, shingles, yellow fever, tetanus, and hepatitis shots. I am all in on vaccines and have never been diagnosed as autistic.
Four new countries visited: We visited Jordan in January, Peru in March and Ethiopia and South Africa in July/August. This brings the total to 36 for me. Travel is one of the things we love and want to do more of. We were on four different continents and in 14 different states this year.
I visited Petra, Machu Picchu, and Lalibela, three of the most amazing archaeological sites in the world, tried many new foods and did so largely crowd-free thanks to the pandemic.
Alison moved to Chicago, so we have made an effort to get down there on a regular basis. We have been moderately successful in that regard. I guess if I have a New Year’s Resolution, it would be to get her to come visit us here.
Coco passed away, so we are down to one dog: Kermit. That’s where it will stay for the foreseeable future.
I am sure there’s more, but the wasn’t planned so I am going to stop here for now and will edit if I think of something.