Not only is Back to the Future one of my favorite movies, it’s also the theme for my first blog post in many months. There have been many experiences over the last year, but no writing on my end. Chalk it up to pure laziness or a lack of motivation. I’ll own that. I tend to go all in on an idea or project for short bursts of time, then interest wanes, and some other project captures my attention. Focus and consistency are things I plan to work on in the new year. Hoping this blog and you, the reader can hold me accountable.

Looking back at 2022, there were lots of great moments. Mazie and I went on a cruise to Mexico along with some family and friends. It was a five day cruise on a Royal Caribbean ship with stops at Cozumel and Playa del Carmen. This was our first official vacation as a married couple. The world shut down due to covid shortly after our wedding and travel was really not an option. It was great to travel together and create some new experiences. Not surprisingly it was hot hot hot in Mexico in July. Who would have thought? The heat aside, the trip was a ton of fun.

After a two year layoff, the annual Canadian fishing trip with my dad was back on in 2022. Canadian officials had shut down travel across the border for the majority of 2020 and 2021. My brother was also able to attend this year which was an added bonus. It had been nearly a decade since he joined us. With a two year layoff with no other fishermen on the lake the fish population was way up and they were hungry. We caught a ton of fish and most were larger and fatter than normal. More to come on that trip in a later post.

The most notable achievement of 2022 was that Mazie and I purchased our first home. We had been renting apartments in Chicago the last several years and moving from place to place almost every year as leases expired. We were fortunate enough to purchase a condo in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood in November. It’s a third floor vintage walkup with lots of character. Nothing fancy but exactly what we wanted. We have started painting and decorating and have plans for updating different rooms over time. It’s such a blessing for us to have this place and finally feel settled after years of moving.

As 2023 begins, I’m excited and hopeful for the new year. I’m excited to keep exploring Chicago and our new neighborhood. I look forward to continuing to explore creative hobbies such as this blog and photography. I hope to travel a bit more than the last few years and I hope to continue to enjoy the little moments in each day that bring me joy.