I’m moving. Again.
This makes 18 official “moves.” 23 addresses. 6 countries. And now my 9th U.S state (and territory).
My first time living in the mid-west.
And each move gives the opportunity for reflection.
The last time I left the DC area, in 2018, I wrote Opportunities and Regrets (part II).
In that post, I reflected on things I regretted not doing and seeing during those 3 ½ years in DC. Many of them I did over the last few years – I finally saw the Northeast United States (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Connecticut). I’ve been to Miami twice, Key West and returned to New Orleans.
I didn’t make it to Cape Code, Plymouth Rock, Pittsburgh or even Washington’s Distillery (still less than 10 miles away).
Ironically, I didn’t make it back to Chicago, but my new home is an easy 4-hour drive away, and the nearest major airport, so I’m sure I’ll spend lots of time there in the next few years.
But I also did a lot of US trips that weren’t even on my radar 8 years ago. I spent a weekend in Arkansas, my 50th state. I’ve spent a lot of time in West Virginia. I’ve had a few additional trips to Florida, and saw Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands for the first time. I’ve biked the C&O canal. I went to Kansas City just for the World War Two museum and discovered it has a lot to offer. I made it to Texas and Tennessee. I’ve made several short trips to upstate New York and returned to New York City. I had an amazing rafting trip to New Mexico. And so much more….
And I made a point of exploring Washington DC and my own back yard. For the last several years I had a New Year’s resolution to do one “touristy” thing a month. This led me to visit the Alexandria Black History Museum and return to the Archives to see the Power and Light exhibit (which has stuck with me as really fabulous).
What’s my point?
It’s good to have lists and check them off.
It’s great to ignore the list and adjust your plans.
A day trip is a great way to explore.
Diving deep for a week or longer can be wonderful.
There is a lot you can do in your own country or state.
Don’t get me wrong – I’ve also had some really spectacular overseas trips in the last five years. But there is a lot to see and do wherever you are with whatever time and money you have.
This will be my first time living in the mid-West. I look forward to exploring St. Louis and Chicago “like a local.” We will be a short drive to Kansas City, Memphis, and Indianapolis.
Stay tuned for lots of adventures to come!
