2023 was not a very good year, but useful as one learns through experiences. As a lover and former student of history I do enjoy growing through past mistakes and challenges as it prepares us to maintain more of our sanity going through future challenges.

However, as I look ahead to 2024 there are many things that bring me excitement.

Our Travels

2024 already promises many travel opportunities for us. I will go into these trips in further detail later, but so far we have the following 2024 trips planned.

Paris-February/March

We are returning to our favorite city in the world. This time we are splitting our time in hotels and a flat as we need to see if we enjoy apartment living in Paris… 😉

Vermont-Memorial Day Weekend

One of the many benefits of living in New England is you do not have to travel very far to escape and going on a New England road trip seems to be becoming a Memorial Day weekend tradition. Last year we traveled to Bar Harbor and this year we are traveling to the Frog Meadow Inn a gay owned hotel in Southern, Vermont.

Thailand-July

I have already posted about this trip as nauseum. Currently we are still stuck in Thailand and need to figure out how we will get home in business class for free.

Late Fall Surprise

Italy? Austria? Mexico City? The possibilities are endless. I am sure something will materialize.

Our Health

We faced some health challenges in 2023 and have promised to focus 2024 on our wellness. Matt and I are excited to jointly run a half marathon this spring while also taking advantage of the fact we live in the woods and within 10 minutes from the beach. We have little excuse for beautiful, quiet nature walks.

Our Family

Sarge has settled in and we are excited for another year with him, Belle and Peanut. They all love the house and living in Maine.

New Basement

We are about to begin a major renovation finishing our basement. The basement will have a large entertainment room, a wet bar, bedroom (err flex room, don’t tell the state of Maine) and a full bathroom.

My Career

My career was one area where 2023 was awesome. In January I uneasily left one of the largest consulting firms in the world for a much smaller one I never heard of six months prior. While the position seemed like a promotion one never really finds out how a new job will go until after the fact. Well, after a year it worked out well. I love my new job, more responsibilities and growth while also being offered better work-life balance. It seems like 2024 might also have good career stuff in store.

Extended Family Time

One of the benefits of living far from our family is it is easier to create lasting memories when we see them. We already have another trip with our mothers on the books, siblings are threatening to come visit us in Maine and I am sure a trip to YYC and FLL will be in order.

You

I cannot get over how many people follow and read my blog. I cannot thank you enough for providing me with a therapeutic outlet to write about topics that give me passion and joy. I hope you are enjoying the ride and do feel free to provide suggestions or content you would like to see.

Overall

Matt and I are hoping 2023 was an investment to a much better 2024 and there is indeed a lot to get excited about. Happy and Healthy New Year to you all and thank you for reading and your engagement!

Bon Voyage until 2024,

Andrew