06/11/2026
15 years ago today, I boarded my first international flight.
I had never left the United States, and I was on my way to meet my husband, Mark, who was on active duty at the time as his ship pulled into Italy. I was incredibly excited—and more than a little nervous.
Back then, there was no easy way to stay connected. Smartphones were just beginning to become the powerful devices we know today, and international phone plans were expensive.
The trip started with a lot of unexpected challenges. I’ll spare you the long version and skip to the ending.
What I gained from that experience was far greater than the destination itself. I learned about the world, about myself, and about resilience. I learned how to move forward even when I wasn’t sure I was making the right decisions, trusting my instincts as I navigated unfamiliar situations.
That journey also sparked a passion for travel and exploration that still burns brightly today.
Tonight, I’ll raise a glass to that younger version of myself—the woman who learned to trust her intuition, embrace uncertainty, and turn obstacles into opportunities for growth. 🥂✈️
