dreaming over the ocean

Its quite amazing... No matter how often you travel, you still are at risk for "rookie mistakes."  In this trip's case, I think it means one of two things:  a) it has been far to long since I have done international travel, or b) I have been so busy at home, that I haven't been paying attention to details.  This trip has so far had three mistakes: 1) when initially booking my trip, I was still debating if I would bring my niece with me.  Eventually i decided 'yes,' but I watched the flight prices go up and up at up.  At the end of the day, I had to cancel and rebook.  2) after that rebooking, I re looked at my rental van situation.  I discovered the company only had poor reviews on travel sites, and also discovered that with the new flight times, I wouldn't be able to drop the van at the depot, as it would be open to close to my return flight time, they are closed the day prior to my departure (it's a public holiday), and they don't allow after hou...

Have you ever realized how stressful the new year is? First, there is the expectation that you are going to have some epic social night on NYE.  What happens if you just want to stay in and read a book?  Is that lame!? (i don't think so...) Second, People almost expect that everyone will have resolutions to better one-self.  lose weight, get finances under control, travel more, give more, exercise more, eat less cheese, pick up a new habit. That's a lot of stress, people. What about this: resolving to be good to yourself? It's kinda epic. And, I am excited for the new year (I kinda always am...)!  Since I am a goal-oriented person, new years resolutions do me well.  This year, I don't have any except a word: restoration. I resolve to restore.  And, I believe that means being good to myself.  2013 was a year where I have started to discover a rhythm.  One of a working, dog owning, married, active 30 year-old.  2014 will be a year...