One other thing I did in this fine year of life, was travel. I had the money available, I had the support from family—both not going and going—and we had a destination in mind. Getting on my first transatlantic flight, I took my happy ass to Ireland for a week.

It’s not a country that holds any special meaning to me. I’m not Irish by ancestry, the only connection at all is I’m a fan of Father Ted, and my stepmother’s familial bond. I guess in that sense it has a special meaning, but that was before. Now, Ireland absolutely holds a place of honor in my heart. It’s not the only place where the grass is a verdant green, the skies are a comforting grey and the air is so brisk—but it’s still an excellent nation, worthy of adoration all the same.

We visited landmarks, ate delicious beef, drank delicious beer (not all of it Guinness even), went on a fantastic bus tour all over County Kerry, and, like many others traveling in 2022, reveled in the fact we were all outside again. I’ll remember it all, but in particular: the eastern coast, with its lovely villages and splendid stews. Trinity college, with its historical library kept in such pristine condition. The northern cliffs, where the wind felt like it was going to pick me up and the frigid rain weighed me down. That’s easily my favorite memory.

It was also a time for my sister and I to bond—or really, I should say sisters. In yet another example of how family is bond, my youngest sister is not related by blood: but she’s sweet, precocious and a presence in our family since she was born. So really, it was long overdue. Plus, when in the land of ale and everyone’s either over eighteen or close to it, you never miss an opportunity to have a drink and talk about life.

It was my graduation trip, before I made it but affirming that I would. I fought myself and took picture after picture, not even looking at the shot half the time so I could still enjoy the moment. Now, whenever I’m down I can look at those shots and feel pure joy, knowing I was there for all of them. It’s not just a far-off place that looks pretty, but a piece of my life. Of all the boons I’ve gotten in life, the opportunity to go on this trip is near the top. I’ll never forget it.