London with Friends is Always a Good Idea
I’ve always been a “yes” person. In fact, my husband, T, has aptly nicknamed me “Just One More.”
Just one more trip. One more experience. One more drink. One more stop before heading home. I’ve never been particularly good at wanting the party to end.
But when friends started planning a trip to London to see our beloved Philadelphia Eagles play, I hesitated.
I know. Me, turning down London? With friends? To see the Eagles? Who the hell is this person? But life has been busy. I’d recently spent nearly two months away from Florida, fall is a busy time for my tutoring company, and my newest book had just come out. With more travel already planned, flying across the ocean for a football game felt like something I should probably say no to.
Then I thought about what I’d actually be missing.
Time with friends I sadly see less since moving away. Reconnecting with friends who live in Europe. Exploring a city I love, eating and drinking our way around London, and cheering on a team I’ve loved since I was a little girl watching the Eagles with my dad.
Pints, Pubs, and Good Friends
Suddenly, I couldn’t imagine saying no. I. SIMPLY. HAD. TO. GO. And I’m so glad I did.
It's About More Than the Destination
So off to London I went. Without my husband, who, by the way, absolutely hates the Eagles. Ha!
The Eagles lost, and we were obviously devastated. Not exactly the ending we'd hoped for, especially after traveling thousands of miles to cheer them on.
But here's the thing: the final score was never going to determine whether the trip was worth it.
We brought our signature Eagles obnoxiousness across the pond, ate and drank our way around London, sang our hearts out at karaoke (quite possibly the highlight of the trip, I might add!), and made memories that will last far longer than the sting of the Eagles loss (man, it was brutal).
That Demure Eagles Charm Everyone Knows and Loves About Us 🦅💚
And while I love London, this trip reminded me that sometimes the destination is secondary. It's the people you're with who make an experience memorable.
I've been fortunate to travel to some incredible places over the years, but when I think back on my favorite memories, they're not always about the famous landmarks or bucket-list attractions. More often, they're about the people, the unexpected moments, and the stories I still tell years later.
Making Time for the People Who Matter
London Karaoke, Questionable Vocals
Moving away from Washington, DC, has made me appreciate something I probably took for granted before: how easy it was to spend time with friends, both in the DC area and the Northeast. When you live nearby, getting together doesn't require as much planning. Drinks on a Wednesday? Of course! A weekend gathering? Count me in.
But when you live hundreds of miles apart, those get-togethers become a lot less frequent. Friendships take more effort. You have to make plans, coordinate schedules, book flights, and often rearrange an already busy calendar.
And while it's easy to say, "We'll get together soon," we all know how quickly soon can turn into six months, a year, or longer. Life gets busy. People move. Circumstances change. And the older I get, the more I realize just how valuable that time really is.
There's Always a Reason Not to Go
Did I Mention There Was Karoake?
There will always be work to do. Emails to answer. Responsibilities to manage. A calendar that feels a little too full.
I recognize how fortunate I am to have the flexibility to say yes to experiences like this. I co-own a company that allows me to work from just about anywhere, we don't have kids, and we have the financial means to travel. I know these are luxuries not everyone has, and I don't take them for granted.
But regardless of our circumstances, it's easy to let everyday responsibilities take priority over having fun, making memories, and spending time with the people who matter most. And if we wait for the perfect time, we might be waiting forever.
Of course, saying yes doesn't have to mean flying to London. It can be dinner with friends, a weekend getaway, or simply trying something new. It's about being intentional with our time and making room for what brings us joy.
Because the to-do list will never be completely finished. But the opportunities to make memories with the people we love won't always be.
Over 30 Years of Friendship in This Photo
Just One More
Just Two Girls Taking on London!
As I head home from London, catching up on work aboard my flight to Tampa and nursing an annoying cold that my Eagles-hating husband undoubtedly passed along before I left, I can't help but smile thinking about how glad I am that I went.
Time with friends. Another adventure. Cheering on my Eagles in London, even if the final score wasn't worth celebrating.
And to think I almost missed it.
Life moves quickly, and opportunities to make memories with the people we love won't always be there. I'd much rather say yes than look back wishing I had. Or, as my friend Ellen likes to say, “No regerts.” IYKYK.
So here's to taking the trip, making time for friends, cheering for our teams (win or lose), and collecting experiences instead of regrets.
And the next time T asks whether I'm ready to call it a night? Well, you already know my answer.
Just one more. And…GO BIRDS! 🦅💚
Practicing My Signature “Just One More” Mantra at High Tea (and High Sparkling Rose, Apparently)