With a heart full of memories, but my eyes fixed on the horizon.

Hey , wanderlusts!

Buckle up and join me on a mini journey down memory lane as I prepare for a road trip back to the city that never sleeps, New York City. It's been nearly a year since I was forced to bid farewell to the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers of the Big Apple. Returning now feels like turning the page on a chapter that has been both a rollercoaster ride and a soul-stirring adventure.

The past 12 months have taken me on a whirlwind tour of life's extremes, from the lowest of lows to the highest of highs. I've navigated the treacherous terrain of heartbreak, loss, and near-death experiences, but I've also stumbled upon the hidden treasures of resilience, strength, and the beauty of new beginnings.

It all began with an unexpected plot twist: getting kicked out of the United States. The country I had called home for almost 10 years showed me the door, leaving me with a feeling of displacement that was both bewildering and bittersweet. I didn't even get to say my goodbyes to the city I'd grown to love, it felt like the end of an era.

Then came the heart-wrenching ordeal of losing my faithful companion, my four-legged friend who had been my confidant and co-adventurer. Four long months without my furry sidekick tested my resolve and made me realize just how much a dog can shape our lives and fill our hearts.

But as they say, every cloud has a silver lining. And for me, that silver lining was the opportunity to reconnect with my roots and rediscover the charm of my home country. From exploring local cuisine to hiking in hidden trails, I experienced the beauty and diversity of my backyard in a whole new way.

As if that wasn't enough, there was the gut-wrenching breakup that shattered my world into a million pieces. Love, once the brightest star in my sky, had crumbled into dust, and I was left to pick up the fragments of my heart and rebuild myself from the ground up. It was a painful process, but it taught me the power of self-love and showed me that I am capable of rising from my ashes.

And then, in a plot twist worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster, there were the near-fatal strokes that brought me to the brink of existence. The fragility of life stared me in the face, and I found myself grappling with profound questions about mortality, purpose, and the preciousness of every moment. It was a wake-up call that made me appreciate the little things in life and remind myself to live each day to the fullest. And now, as I pack my bags for my road trip back to New York City, it feels like the end of one chapter and the start of a new book. A book filled with twists and turns, laughter and tears, love and loss, and most importantly, the unshakeable spirit of adventure.

So join me as I hit the open road and head back to the city that has been both my escape and my sanctuary. The streets may be familiar, but I am not the same person who left them a year ago. I have grown, learned, and evolved in ways I could never have imagined. And I can't wait to see what new adventures await me in the city that never sleeps. As they say, sometimes you have to lose yourself to find yourself again. And for me, this road trip back to NYC is not just a return, but a rebirth.

The best thing is that from all the despair and heartache emerged the most unexpected of heroes: Nova Scotia. This little slice of heaven on Earth became my refuge, a place where I could heal, rediscover myself, and forge new connections. Amidst its breathtaking landscapes, I found my tribe—a group of kindred spirits who celebrated my quirks and welcomed me with open arms. To top it off, I stumbled upon a wonderful weirdo who is becoming a partner-in-adventure and is filling my life with joy. Who knew that this journey back to Canada would lead me to find myself next to a like-minded person whose presence makes everything brighter?

As I gear up for this road trip, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for all that has been and all that is yet to come. Life may be unpredictable, but one thing's for sure: the adventure never ends. So here's to not just turning the page and starting a new chapter, but to saying goodbye while eagerly anticipating the next hello, and and a new book. Most importantly, to never stop the journey of self-discovery.

As I set out on this road trip back to the city that holds both memories of triumph and trials, I do so as a changed person. I've emerged from the crucible of adversity with newfound strength, wisdom, and gratitude for the beauty that life has to offer, even in its darkest moments.

This return to NYC is not merely a visit; it's the ending of that chapter in my life story. It's a chance to revisit old haunts, reconnect with cherished friends, and bid a proper fond farewell to a city that has played a pivotal role in my journey. It's also the start of a brand new book, one filled with blank pages ready to be filled with fresh experiences, lessons, and adventures.

So here's to New York City, to Nova Scotia, to my weirdo tribe, and the wild, unpredictable adventure of life.

With a heart full of memories, but my eyes fixed on the horizon.

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"Effusively Mushy"