I had no intention of traveling or doing any big trips this year. This was going to be a low-key year where I took care of some issues. My plan was to stay close, do little traveling, take care of some things, and, if possible, pay off my car or at least get the loan down. No, I would not be traveling outside the country. It was a good plan. But mid-August I found myself at the airport getting ready to fly halfway around the world. So much for that good plan.