It is hard to believe that 10 days ago this was my view:

Vieques, Puerto Rico

My view is now this:

New Brunswick, Canada

As much as I wanted to stay in paradise forever, I desired to make it home to Atlantic Canada for Christmas. I spent most of my time in my home town with my family in Nova Scotia, while celebrating the New Year with friends in New Brunswick. There is no place like home.

As much as I love the sun and sand while being in a hot turquoise destination, I wanted to experience a traditional Christmas- with SNOW! I’m not much of a snow-bunny, but I definitely like to get my fill (at least for a few days). After a couple of weeks of snow I’ve usually have had enough, but I like snow for Christmas. I think I’ve experienced more than enough snow already and I’ve only been in Canada for ten days now.

There was definitely snow this year for Christmas, even in Southern Nova Scotia! My mom believes this was the first white Christmas for her in over five years. Santa brought the snow this year! When I returned to New Brunswick there was even more snow! Snow banks higher than trucks, snow drifts covering the roof of every home, buried lawns, and white side walks and streets. Even still, there is no place like home.

My 2014 New Year day was spent playing in the snow while reminiscing about the turquoise destinations I recently visited with my best friend whom I hadn’t seen in over two years. We’ve both been traveling, but to different destinations. Finally, we had the opportunity to start the New Year together. Each of us being as silly as we normally are, but bundled up to fight against the abnormally cold weather for December in New Brunswick. -30 degrees Celsius is a frightening thing when being thrown into it after recently leaving a tropical island.

Even with the frigid temperatures, we laughed the afternoon away to start the best year of our lives. Each year and each day that I get older, I have more fun. I’m more comfortable in my own skin, more confident, and more excited to pursue my dreams. I know that 2014 will be an incredible year for me, as each and every year has been. Looking at the positive makes each year a special one. I’m excited to see what comes next.

Welcome to best year of your life- 2014! Happy New Year!