Ryan and I took some time a few days ago to have a few quiet moments before we started digging into the serious planning of our upcoming summer travels, and ultimately prepping for our move out of Chicago. We’re still about five months out from our estimated departure, but decisions about leases, jobs, budgets, cars, and destinations (definitely the most fun of that list) are starting to crop up and require our attention.

Ryan, being the more spiritually attuned of the two of us, suggested we take a hands on approach to assuring auspicious beginnings, and he took the lead on a couple of “non-denominational” blessing rituals. We sat together at the altar space he’s made on the floor and a windowsill of our apartment, and felt the nearness of each other and focused our energy and commitment on our partnership and the plans ahead. Sometimes I can get a little uncomfortable in such self-consciously spiritual settings, but I’m so glad Ryan suggested we do this.

My breathing slowed down a little bit, my worries about all the choices we have to make and challenges that lie ahead drifted away briefly, and I felt very clearly that it’s just the two of us, heading out together, to find what we want. I thought about how much I love spending time with Ryan, what a good team we make, and how we really have everything we need in each other right now. I tried to build a little space of patience, gentleness, and togetherness that I can return to throughout our planning and packing and rushing around and taking off and building a new life. It’s so exciting to start something new together, and it felt right to commemorate an official kickoff with a thoughtful and sweet few minutes sitting on the floor next to him in our cozy Chicago apartment. Despite our enthusiasm for our new beginnings, I think we’ll really miss this place. We’ve had a great year here. So I’m happy this is where our “journey” starts.

PLUS, OH MY GOD, WE’RE PLANNING A TWO MONTH VACATION AND A MOVE! YEEHAW! WOOHOO! YEEHAW!