Both 2015 and 2016 seem to be filled with firsts. Most notably, in 2015 Nathaniel and I got married and bought our first home. 2016's firsts have included some not-so-fun things, like my first broken bones. But what this makes me think about is that even after 28 years living in the same town, and 11 years with the same partner, I still get to experience new things.
Recently my cousin, her girlfriend, and two of their friends came to visit. They're from Florida and they got to experience snow for the first time. It was so wonderful seeing them enjoy themselves with a sense of almost child-like wonder. They even voluntarily shoveled my driveway! They made snowmen in my front yard, threw snowballs at each other, and got to see lots of elk! It was so nice seeing them experience something so new. It’s cool that they’ll remember this first, because I definitely don’t remember my first time in the snow because I was so young.
Luckily, I too have a lot of fun firsts coming up. In a few weeks I get to go to New York for the first time, and in May/June we’re finally taking a belated honeymoon, and I get to see quite a few European cities for the first time! I am so excited to explore!
Sometimes I worry that I’m doing too much of the same thing day to day, but then I’m reminded of all the firsts that surprise me (or that we plan). They may not all be perfect and exciting, but they show me that the world is a crazy, wonderful place, full of people who are willing to help, and happy to share.
