How I Spent My Summer Vacation

I’ve decided to become a traveler. I think it’s the perfect time for it—we have good jobs, savings, no children, and free time now that we’re out of school. This summer I traveled more than I have in my whole life! In addition to spending two weeks in two cities, I also had my sister Hayden come visit. I plan to see my other two sisters in some form or fashion before the year is out. I am so grateful to be able to travel and see the country (hopefully world one day).


I planned to blog during the trips, but was so adamantly against spending time with technology. So, I’ve compiled a few thoughts that flew quickly through my mind while flying, driving, sitting, swimming, reading, etc.

1. I love traveling. If it were up to me, we’d go somewhere every quarter. However, we’re not wealthy, so I’m happy with seeing family once a year and going on vacation once a year. Anyway, I love traveling. I love the anticipation of the trip, the permission to be a complete bum, the chance to not be attached to a screen. I want to see the entire world.

2. Somehow I forgot that Craig grew up while I was doing the same thing. How self-centered of me. I love the man he’s grown up to be and the fact that he keeps me so grounded.

3. If Kalem wants to drive, I should let him drive. If he drives more than me, that does not promote less equality in our marriage. It just lets me read.

4. The two things that seem the most apparent (and superficial) that our father gave me and my three sisters: love of cereal and card games.

5. I wasted a lot of time in my life being angry at my father. I could have had so much more time getting to know Hayden and Hannah. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their lives now.

6. Being vegan sucks in an airport. Also, tons of junk food is vegan!

7. Being vegan makes me feel even more grateful for nature and life than I did before. I watched a mama turkey and baby turkey cross the road in Washington and felt no guilt. It was really powerful and helped deepen my resolve for this lifestyle.

8. It makes me sad that I didn’t get to plan a wedding when I married Kalem. Then again, I’m glad I missed out on all of the craziness and financial stress!

9. I freaking love Jeremy. I always knew I liked him, but this was a great chance to get to know him. I feel we have a lot in common.

10. Baltimore is not the place for me.

11. I feel so at home in the water. I want to swim every day I can. The beach is magnificent.

12. Apparently all I need to exercise is peer pressure! I need Kalem to pressure me and vice-versa. It’s much more fun to just eat pretzels and hummus and watching “Charmed”, though.

13. WAGS (Weirdly Awesome Green Soup) rocks when your veggies are on the way out and you’re craving warmth and cornbread. It’s also a nice way to let everyone put in their personal touch to a meal that creates a great sense of community.

14. I miss the mountains. Flying over the Rockies literally took my breath away. It’s been so long since I could see a mountain sunset on a daily basis.

15. We should really build up our savings before we go on another vacation.

16. As much as I want a child sometimes, I really love being able to go when and where I want.

17. Vegan soul food is AMAZING. I WILL learn how to make decadent BBQ “ribs” before the year is out.

18. I hate Pittsburgh most of the year (winter feels longer than six months!), but there is truly no place like home.

19. I’d love to take a vacation just by myself one year.

20. I want to take a vacation with my closest girlfriends one year.

21. I want to live on the beach when I retire.

22. I miss my parents.

23. What would I do next year if I had no fear? A lot of things I’m not doing now. It’s time to have more courage.

24. I want to have a huge 5-year anniversary party next year.

25. I am missing nothing by not having cable at home.

I can’t wait for our next vacation. It will either be a cruise or New Orleans. The sky (and our bank account) is the limit.