Include travel in your New Year's resolution

Looking back on 2009 is an eye-opener for me. In July our family mourned the sudden loss of my cousin Kerry, who passed away at the young age of 30. As cousins with a 10-plus year gap in our ages, he and I didn’t spend a ton of time together – holidays, family gatherings.

I enjoyed his company when I saw him (God he could make me laugh), but we didn’t exactly run in the same circle. It makes me sad when I think about that. There’s no going back, no do-overs. I just have to live with it and hope he knew how much I loved him. This life lesson has taught me that you never know how long you’re going to have somebody in your life. Or how long you’ll be in theirs for that matter.

So on that note, I share with you my New Year’s Resolution for 2010… I resolve to spend more quality time with my family and friends. Now, those of you who know me are probably giggling. I am one of the most family-oriented people I know. And I have many friends who I cherish whole-heartedly. My family is huge, and has get-togethers for just about everything. But I’m not talking about our normal Sunday dinners, etc. I’m talking about traveling (I am the travel blogger, after all.)

I am leaving today for the first step in fulfilling my resolution. My younger daughter, Laureli, and I (along with my two aunts, from Chicago and New York) are all flying to Florida to spend a week with my Grandma McClenin.

Celebrating the New Year with Grandma … I can’t think of a better way to start 2010. I am SO excited about this trip, and spending some time with these special ladies that I only get to see a couple times a year.

As if that’s not enough, the weekend after I get back I’m leaving again. This time it’s all about the girlfriends. Four of us are spending the weekend at my girlfriend’s ranch. Just us four and a bunch of longhorn cattle! (I’m a city girl, originally from New York, so I’m not sure about this, but here we go.) Oh the stories that will come of a weekend full of hysterical laughter … I can only imagine.

A trip is also planned for April. This one is all about couples’ time. My husband and I are going with our good friends to spend four fun-filled days and nights at the 22nd Annual Larry Joe Taylor Music Festival. For those who don’t know, this is an outdoor fest with some incredible performers. You can camp with tents or bring an RV. Either way, plan to party. (For more information go to www.larryjoetaylor.com [1].)

In July it’s Family Reunion time! (Which works perfectly with this whole resolution thing I have going on.) Our extended family spans several states, and we have a reunion every other year. This year’s gathering is to be held in Texas, and the coordinator is yours truly. Plans are still in the making, but I can tell you that it will be done Texas-style, at a dude ranch in Bandera. (For more information on Texas dude ranches, see my blog from last month.)

My aunt and I were just talking about planning a trip where a bunch of us can spend some time together and have a blast – an all-inclusive in Cancun or Cabo. We’re going to plan it out a bit so everyone has time to save and everyone can GO, which is the whole point. How fun will that be?! So it looks like I will be doing some research on www.cancun.com [2] and www.cabo.com [3] here pretty soon.

I’m sure my calendar will fill up fast as the year goes into full-swing. Scott and I will squeeze in a few romantic weekend getaways, I’m sure (we like the mushy stuff). We just spent the weekend before Christmas on the San Antonio Riverwalk. It was so beautiful with all the twinkling lights everywhere. I swear I must have walked 10 miles in one night! (My trainer would be so proud.) If you’re looking for a romantic weekend that’s not too far from home, I highly recommend heading west on I-10. (For more info visit the Riverwalk’s official website at www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com [4].)

It doesn’t matter so much where you go or what you do. What matters is who you’re with. Plan some trips – long and short ones, near and far ones. Go with your spouse, your kids, your family, your friends. Spend time together and make wonderful memories that you can cherish for life.

As 2009 wraps up, my family is blessed with exciting news. My brother announced yesterday that he and his girlfriend are engaged. Within an hour of that news, my daughter Kaylie told me that she’s going to have a baby. That’s right … I’m heading into the wonderful world of Grandmahood. (No wisecracks please.) 2010 is already proving to be an amazing year, and it hasn’t even started yet. I have so much to be grateful for, so many wonderful things in my life. I am going to cherish every moment of the upcoming year, whether in town or on the road. Happy New Year everyone!