January somehow dragged itself to the end— just a few more days and it’s gone forever to the back of the calendar. A long month. Long in every sense: both in the number of days and in everything that happened—both New Years, Christmas, family saint days (slavas)… which, just to mention in passing, I’ve never spent more beautifully.

In the pauses between all those events, I made some important decisions and took a few steps that should lead me toward realizing my dream.

On New Year’s Eve itself, I decided that this year will be filled with a feeling of personal happiness. The prerequisite for any happiness is a strong desire and a positive attitude. Or, as Father Tadej said: “Whatever your thoughts are, that’s what your life is like.” So, of course—I’m going to work on good thoughts from morning till night.

For Christmas, I quit smoking—after 27 years during which I didn’t have a single day without a cigarette! It wasn’t (isn’t) easy, but once I made it through that first day, I knew I would win. And here I am—twenty-something days without nicotine. Never again, I hope.

I rode a bit on those days when the cold showed mercy and briefly allowed us the illusion of spring sunshine and dry paths. The longest ride I did was 75 km. Looks like I overdid it—unwarmed-up and out of shape—so I aggravated an old meniscus injury.

And finally, the main thing: I bought tickets to Sicily. My potential travel companion (and not only that, but I don’t want to jinx it or tempt fate)—Bryan, with whom I’ve been corresponding since October, is arriving on March 7th, and on the 14th we’re flying to Palermo. Happiness, happiness, joy! Do I even need to say that I’m counting down the days?