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December 31, 2009

2010: New Year, Even More Adventures Ahead

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53683931-1I’m not a fan of New Year Resolutions. Though I love New Beginnings. For me, it’s a time of reflection, a time to take a long hard look at what/who is weighing me down, and what/who is lifting me up.  But most of all it is a time, though not the only time throughout the year, where I can really appreciate all of the people that have made this year one of growth, learning, and happiness for me.

My husband, with whom I celebrated another year of marriage and companionship, is by far on the top of my list of people to be grateful for. He’s the reason you even know me. He is my strongest supporter, my dearest friend, and really just an all around awesome guy. He and my kids have made this year a really, really fun one.

Oh man, my kids. Ok. Well. Love them. A lot. The 12 year old flourished this year. Somehow managed to be taller than me. The 3 and 4 year old. Pure terror. Yup. Others say that they are not. But they are. They have however, also gotten smarter, more articulate. This year they both learned to go potty and drink successfully out of normal cups and glasses and have learned to not run around like wild monkeys at restaurants. Happy and healthy, they make for awesome tax deductions and great stories, and quite a fun and interesting life.

My friends…wow. How blessed am I to have made such amazing new friendships this year. What’s even more amazing is that a lot of those friendships are with girls/women/chicks…and to boot, other Moms. Because honestly, I have not always been the mom/chick/women/girl’s friend type of person…but maybe, now, I kinda sorta am…or better yet, maybe there are way more cooler moms/chicks/women/girl’s out there than I ever noticed before…and they want to be friends with me…which makes me feel special. And the dads/guys/dudes…well, for some amazing reason, they’re all hot…and funny, and smart, and down to earth…which means that at any given moment, I could be surrounded by a bunch of really hot dads/guys/dudes…kinda like in  high school. What girl doesn’t like that deal?

My blog. Wow. Biggie. Still amazed that people read it…and super flattered that they keep coming back for more. Thanks. Really. It’s an awesome ride and I am glad you are joining me on it. To all who read it, connect with me through it, and want to work with me because of it: Thank you! You have really made this year surreal and incredible for us!

Last, but certainly not least, my home, my town, NYC. What can I say that I haven’t already?  I love you. You make me feel the most grounded I’ve ever been in my life. I love everything about you…even when I don’t. People are always asking me why and how a family as large as mine doesn’t just move to the burbs, where life promises to be easier and better and less expensive…and yeah, it’s tempting at times. But you are who I am…and where I belong.

So here it is, another new year.  I hope that you find content in who you have been and the life you lead enough to not want to change too much next year, but I also wish you happiness, health, and much success in the many things you’ve yet to accomplish. May any unaccomplished dreams, or developed new ones find their way into your reality this year and may your days be full of Adventures!

Happy New Year Everyone!

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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9 Comments
  • Nanette
    December 31, 2009

    I love NYC! Your blog really captures all that the city is about. Wishing you and you family all the happiness and success you can hold.

    Reply
    • Carol
      Nanette
      December 31, 2009

      Thank you Nannette! I wish you the same! Much love–Carol

      Reply
  • Mateo
    December 31, 2009

    Happy New Year, to you and yours. I've enjoyed following you not only on twitter but here on your blog, and having had the chance to meet only help prove you are a great person. See you in 2010 my web 2.0 sis

    Reply
    • Carol
      Mateo
      December 31, 2009

      Happy New Year Bro! Besos!

      Reply
  • Melisa with one S
    January 2, 2010

    Great post! I wish you and your family a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2010!

    Love you long time, girl! 🙂

    Reply
    • Carol
      Melisa with one S
      January 2, 2010

      Me too girl! xoxox Happy New Year!

      Reply
  • hicksgirl93
    January 2, 2010

    What a wonderful post. So very refreshing to read about a woman totally in love with her husband, children and hometown. You go girl!

    Reply
  • Sugar Jones
    January 5, 2010

    I got to meet your city in 2009. It's amazing!! What I wouldn't do to live there. Except for when it's freezing cold. I'm too much of a weather wimp. But still. It's a freaking awesome city.

    Reply
  • bluetulip
    January 9, 2010

    Happy New Year to you…great site you have here..

    Do you have contact email?

    cheers

    bluetulip

    Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. As the oldest of all my many, many siblings, caring for littles started very early in my life. I have cared for, changed diapers for, fed, rocked to sleep, booboo-kissed, advised, reprimanded, worried for, been frustrated and given anxiety by more kids than I care to count. Because I started caring for children so young, I was convinced I wouldn’t have any of my own. But I had my three beautiful boys.

I miss the little babies they were, sometimes to the point where it aches, but I love seeing the men they are becoming. I am most grateful to them for the ways in which they continue to help me discover more about myself both as a mom and beyond motherhood. My identity was never fully in being a mom, I never wanted that for myself and they all have respected, accepted, and given me space for that. And I love them unconditionally for it. Because as they start to find their own paths in life, I am not left with an empty anything, instead I find myself with a life fulfilled. Of which being their mom has been the greatest adventure.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mother figures, caregivers, and humans who have provided for another in loving, maternal ways regardless of biology and traditional roles and societal expectations. ♥️ May you find fulfillment, love, and joy in the ways you have tried to give to others who needed it most.
The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS Route 17 (future I-86), mid-way between New York City and Binghamton. It is also the largest community of the Sullivan County Catskills. Like many rural downtowns across the U.S., Monticello has experienced some hardships. However, what I found especially lovely was how there is a vibrant BIPOC community, especially Latino, thriving with their small businesses and eateries keeping Downtown Monticello alive.

Imagine my delight to have seen several Dominican- Puerto Rican eateries serving and sounding like a slice of home. Last night’s treat was had at @nellys_latin_restaurant. 

Roasted pernil, grilled chicken, rice and peas, yuca, sweet plantains, ox tail, goat….the list goes on and on. Right here in Monticello, NY. I ate and washed it all down with a cool papaya shake, just like from the islands.

So, if driving through, be sure to check out downtown Monticello for some good Caribbean eats…and wait till I tell you about breakfast!!! Thanks @nickfingdavis for the find! 🇩🇴🇵🇷

#monticellony #catskills #goodeats @sullivancatskills
Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwine Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwinecountry.🌞

#myflx
These days you will find me walking in the rain, c These days you will find me walking in the rain, chasing waterfalls, and anything nature filled. Such is spring in the Finger Lakes 🌷

#fingerlakes #lifeinthefingerlakes #cascadillagorge #ithacany
I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in l I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in love with this life.

There was a time when my DREAM was to be one of those old NYC ladies living in a 4 story walk-up, and who people would often see pulling around her shopping cart from market to market. And while I long for a NYC that barely exists anymore, I do have to say I am still often surprised at how dramatically that dream has changed.

Now I dream of uninterrupted days spent tending to my garden and growing food and other pretty greenery I never knew I could. Or figuring out new recipes and sitting by the fire with my puppies on my lap.

I crave mornings made foggy by the adjacent lake, and early wake-ups by the sound of the passing horse and buggy on Sunday mornings.

Yeah. The world is big and there is so much I want to see still but I also love this place where it feels like nothing else matters, not even the mud on my hands and boots.

📸 Gardening bliss on a rainy day at @theflxcottage.
Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center to scout a photography location. The focus was work. But as we took the 3 mile hike to the overlook, through the mud, in the rain…and the sun, because spring, and as the birds sung, the woodpeckers pecked, and the deer strutted, I felt myself feel lighter, happier, and at ease. With just a walk, in this beautiful place. Alongside my beautiful partner.

If you call the Finger Lakes home, I hope you can also appreciate it and the gifts it offers, even when we least expect it. And if you need a reminder, just go outside.

#tanglewoodnaturecenter #fingerlakes

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