Itinerary Update {3}

Bute Park in Cardiff, Wales

I cannot tell a lie. I've been a little slugging getting back into blogging consistently per my new routine/schedule I wanted to adopt. It's always hard for me to get back into normal stuff after a trip and blogging is usually the last thing to come back. However, I was super proud of myself to have gotten all three parts of my trip recap on the blog which I'll talk about below but I digress. Let's get to the good stuff!

It's been a little while since I did my last Itinerary Update and I am going to try really hard to be more regular and get back on my 'schedule' of blogging because I do love it and how it works. That being a book review, a travel post, and a lifestyle/update/inspiration post a week. So I'm gonna do my best but I was inspired to a personal update and here we are.

As you may have seen I recently got back from a trip to the UK, well Britain if we're being super technical. It was incredible. Steph and I had the best time and I also spent a lot of time solo which was also great. I love solo travel, I won't lie. It's nothing against other people but I'm very introspective when I travel. I like the quiet moments and really taking in my surroundings, where I am, and what I'm seeing. Everything I did by myself was so incredible. The day trips were particularly amazing experiences. It was the best trip I have taken to date. I probably say that every time I come back but the UK and Scotland and England hold a very special place in my heart and I'm already plotting on how I can get back and how quickly. I would move there if I could, see ya USA! Love ya but SCOTLAND!! If you missed my trip recaps you can check out Scotland, London, and my day trips.

Before I get to my homebody part of my post, I *do* have a confession to make. I am in the midst of finalizing my next trip. I turn 30 next year (*sobs a little*) and since I read Me Before You I knew I wanted to do something amazing to make turning 30 into something to look forward to rather than something to dread. So. I'm taking a page out of Me Before You and I'm going to Africa to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Yes! It's a little crazy and that's more of a punishment than a reward because it's gonna be wicked hard. I am really excited to take on this once in a lifetime challenge that I've been thinking about for YEARS! I told very few people about it because it was one of those things I worried would never happen for one reason or another but it's happening. When I confirmed by climb date and paid the deposit I felt this rush of adrenaline and excitement and nerves because it was FINALLY happening. I couldn't believe it! And then as a reward for (hopefully) completing the climb I'm treating myself to a few days in Rome afterwards because with a big challenge comes a big reward. I haven't been to Italy in years and it is one of my favorite places in the world so I am beyond excited about all of this. Bring on the pasta and gelato!

Top of the bell tower at Holy Hill in Wisconsin

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I hope you all gobbled til you hobbled and enjoyed spending time with family and friends! I spent the day at my Grandma's watching football and hanging out with my cousins and aunts and uncles. I love the holiday season. Everything from fall and the leaves changing to December and Christmas. There's this special feeling that seems to fall over my heart during this time and everything feels more magical. I love the leaves changing, it reminds me of a phoenix if I'm being emo and honest.

The feeling of Wisconsin in the fall in unlike anything and anywhere I've ever been at the same time. The inspiration for this post came from this feeling. There's a certain je ne sais quoi about it. It's the hint of a bit of chill in the air, its the smell of a fire and leaves burning, it's the confirmation that football season is finally here and that means Sundays spent with family. It's magical and affirming that coming home is where I'm supposed to be. I haven't had the chance to be home for fall in 3 years and it was more incredible than I can say to finally be home (ignore the fact that I spend 3 weeks out of the country, k?). That feeling for me extends through December as well. I love Christmas and putting up decorations and reading by a fire and drinking hot chocolate. Spending time with my family is precious and just better around this time of year. I also can't wait to indulge in a few holiday romance novels!

What else is new? Oh! I'm becoming a real permanent (mostly) adult. I interviewed for a job at the hospital I worked at prior to travel nursing. I'm really excited to be back in a place that is both new and familiar. Lots of changes happening but it's gonna be nice to be in surroundings I'm familiar with...for once.

I think that's it! Still loving being at home, carving out a new piece of life in an old familiar place, still looking for travel opportunities at every turn, and still reading lots of great books.

Beautiful handmade piece at a craft barn in Pewaukee, WI

How are you guys?

What's new with you?

When I do it, do we like the schedule of posts?