It’s been a quick start to the new year – HOW IS IT ALREADY FEBRUARY!? It seems like New Year’s is one of those times that people either love or hate. I sit on the fence with this one. Ever since I was a kid, I felt anxious around the new year. I never was one to believe the world would end, as has been predicted tons of times, but something about another year in the books is just a reminder that life is moving SO fast. I still can’t decide if 23 is really young, or really old.
Early last year, I decided to choose a word to focus on. 2017’s word? Grateful! 2017 was a really exciting year… and being 23 has been my favorite age to date. I’m remaining hopeful that as I get older, each year will only be better than the last!
The first trip I took this past year was to Canada, and my heart still feels so full when I think of that trip. Is there anything better than renting two ski condos with over 15 of your friends & your big sister and spending the whole weekend laughing and skiing? The trip was one of those that flies by, when you get up early and stay out late, making the most of every minute that you have. The color of the sunrise is still seared in my memory, and I’m fairly confident I formed some new ab and cheek muscles from laughing and smiling that trip.
When I landed back in Houston, I was so sad that the trip was over. The more I thought about it, I realized I was looking at it the completely wrong way. I really felt so thankful and so grateful I had the chance to even go. I am so lucky and so blessed not only to have so many silly, fun, and adventurous friends, but that we were all able to be together – even if it was for a short visit.
So last January, I decided that I needed to be grateful – and to focus on the mantra happy it happened, not sad that it ended. I think someone much more insightful than me said that once, and there is so much truth in it. In honor of 2017 coming to a close, I’m celebrating the nine of the places I visited this past year that am so grateful for!
- Banff, Canada – one of the most naturally beautiful places I’ve ever seen, possibly the most stunning in North America. Driving through Banff, my eyes were glued to the scenery around me – the mountains scraped the sky and the mornings had some of the prettiest sunrises. Being surrounded by so many friends made the experience so sweet, as did being able to carve up snow at Lake Louise and Sunshine under bright blue skies!
- Park City, Utah – nothing beats family ski trips. Dad, Mom, Alessandra and I skied until our legs were humming, drank gallons of chai lattes, and ate tons of chocolate covered almonds, truly embodying the spirit of Après Ski!
- Davy Crockett National Forest, Texas – if it was up to Ryan, we would have lived off protein bars the entire weekend hehe. Even though we all may have disagreed on an ideal camping menu, we all agreed that a weekend away in nature is always a good idea.
- New Orleans, Louisiana – It is such a treat having friends that live in fun places. It’s even more fun when they are the best tour guides. To read about my whole weekend visiting Portia – check out my post here!
- Sedona, Page & the Grand Canyon, Arizona – Sedona is the perfect place for a weekend getaway – great food, quirky and artsy shops, and tons of outdoor activities with a low risk for rainy weather. While our trip started in Sedona, we traversed the state, catching sight of both the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon, all in a four-day weekend!
- The Adirondack State Park, New York – This place remains one of my favorite places in the world. This place is home to some of my fondest memories, from family camping trips we have taken for as long as I can remember. There’s nothing like the crisp mornings, quiet nights, clear water and time unplugged with family to remind you of what really matters.
- Portland & Cannon Beach, Oregon – The city of Portland is indescribable in it’s uniqueness, but Cannon Beach took my breath away. Haystack Rock is even more mesmerizing in person than it is in pictures!
- New York, New York – This beautiful city will always hold a special place in my heart. Wandering the streets here on work trips is different than stomping around as a college student, but the magic of the city remains – especially around the holidays.
- Edinburgh & the Fife Coastal Villages, Scotland – The first annual Piazza family girls trip! What a treat to spend a long weekend exploring a new country with Mom and San. Scotland is absolutely breathtaking – and should be coined country of rainbows!
The real question is – where to next?
