And Thank You! I love manners. There is nothing more rewarding than being nice to that man holding the door, the kid running by, or the barista handing you that perfect White Chocolate Mocha (non-fat no-whip, of course). Treating others with kindness is rule number one for me. (I try at least!)

Rule number two? Get up and go!

I’ve got a passion for travel and am so blessed to have been all the wonderful places I’ve gone. That passion comes as no surprise though, because I was born into a family that believes in vacations. Whether we had no money or plenty to spare we always have (and still do) take a vacation or two every year. That trip might have been camping at the local Six Flags or a weekend in the heart of Times Square, but it didn’t matter. We got out, we saw, we experienced, and we had a hell of a time. This year it’s a vacation house on the Wisconsin lakes, pontoon boat in tow, and I can’t wait!

My urge to get up and go truly blossomed one year ago when I set out all on my own to study abroad in Swansea, Wales. I had the chance to see much of Europe and now call the U.K. my home away from home. An internship with Southwest Airlines fed my addiction (Hello free flights!!) and a return to Swansea will be my next adventure. In one short week I take off to visit a special someone I’ve left behind there and explore a few fun side trips along the way!

I can’t wait to write and share photos of those adventures of the past and future with you here.

I’ll leave you with a photo of where every journey I’ve ever taken began: An old farm house in Central Illinois. Home.