Resolutions and the Road - How We Plan Our Year of Work and Travel Together
The clock struck midnight and the skies above Nairobi came alive with the dazzling glow of fireworks adorning the sky, we stood on our porch and reflected on the year that was. Last year was a rollercoaster—a year of milestones, heartbreaks, and beautiful memories. As the sun sets on 2024, we found ourselves reflecting on a year that was both bittersweet and beautiful—a year marked by challenges, growth, love, and the undeniable thrill of new experiences. For us, every kilometer traveled, every project completed, and every moment shared has been a building block of a journey we cherish.
From our work adventures to personal milestones, and from the protests in the streets to the fireworks lighting up the Nairobi sky, it was a year that left its mark on our hearts. Every moment added a unique page to our shared story. It was a year that blended work, travel, and personal growth in ways we’ll never forget.
But as we stood in our front yard and clinked our glasses under the starry Kenyan sky, we couldn’t help but feel hopeful. 2025 promises new beginnings, new roads to explore, and fresh adventures to share. Here’s how we’re setting our resolutions for the year, blending work, travel, and togetherness into a plan that feels authentically us.
A Recap of 2024: The Highs, the Lows, and Everything In Between
A whirlwind of experiences and a year of contrasts—joyful highs and soul-crushing lows. The year 2024 started off with an exciting workload, from creating marketing content for our client Taurus Solutions Ltd to spotting one of our branded signage jobs along Limuru Road—a moment that reminded us why we love what we do. The fulfillment we felt seeing our work out in the world is unmatched.
We worked hard, especially in January, visiting warehouses like Taurus Solutions Ltd in Nairobi’s Industrial Area, where we brainstormed ideas for their branding, advertising, and marketing strategy. The highlight of that month? Spotting one of our branding jobs—a client’s stunning signage—near the UN Gigiri area during a drive home. It’s hard to put into words how fulfilling it feels to see your work. These moments of fulfillment reinforced why we do what we do—building dreams, one project at a time. We also took time to engage in one of Nairobi’s social causes, supporting the End Femicide march organized by women determined to bring change and to demand an end to violence against women. The energy of that movement reminded us of the power of collective voices. Balancing work and advocacy gives us purpose and reminds us that being part of a movement is as important as our personal goals.
February was a season of small joys and a slower month but filled with love. He surprised me with a bouquet of flowers and a beautiful set of succulents, knowing how much I adore plants. Our Valentine’s Day was intimate and sweet—a romantic indoor picnic with good food, some wine, candles, and cozy blankets. The sight of my purple geraniums blooming felt like a reward for the love we pour into nurturing life—plants and relationships alike, bringing so much joy to our space. We also visited a plant vendor to pick out a few more plants for our home to expand our home garden. This month was a testament to finding beauty in small things. While we didn’t travel far, our small work trips to meet prospective clients around Nairobi kept us connected to the road, in a quieter way.
March and April were heavy on our hearts and tested us. Losing a close family member on 31st March broke our hearts especially because her death left us with so many questions. Losing someone we deeply loved—a matriarch who had been a constant source of warmth and wisdom broke us. Traveling to Kitale for the burial was one of the hardest journeys we’ve ever taken, the drive felt heavy, the roads quieter than usual. April was somber as we attended the burial, leaning on each other for strength. On April 13th, we laid her to rest, holding onto memories of the love we had been blessed to have shared with her and each other as tightly as we could. Even in the pain, we found strength in the love of family, comfort in the road, and in each other. It was a month of grief, but also of reflection—a reminder to hold our loved ones closer and treasure the moments we have with them.
By May, we began regaining momentum, and slowly returned to work and life. We worked on a product photoshoot for an e-commerce client's website, Ragati River Fly Company, breathing life into their online store with beautiful visuals. On the home front, we had our sofa reupholstered, giving our living room a much-needed refresh. We also took the car to our trusted auto specialists at for some long-overdue TLC at Xado—including suspension repairs, engine fixes, brake checks, oil changes, and more auto repairs, giving our car the attention it needed after many adventures. It felt good to take care of something that takes care of us on the road.
The middle of the year was marked by resistance and resilience, where the months of June, July, and August saw us witnessing and engaging with the Reject Finance Bill 2024 protests, a collective outcry against policies that threatened to worsen our lives as Kenyans. The collective frustration of Kenyans filled the air, and protests filled the streets and digital spaces—a stark reminder of the economic challenges we’ve all facing as a result of tyranny, corruption, and poor governance. The clarion call being #RutoMustGo as a symbol for the whole 13th parliament and government proved illegitimate after the #OccupyParliament protests. We continue this journey until we finish the journey to a truly and fully liberated Kenya, free of neocolonial remnants.
Amid the revolutionary protests, August brought a personal highlight and we found a moment of joy amidst it all—his birthday! I baked him some homemade cinnamon rolls, and though it was a small celebration, it was filled with love.
September brought back a little more travel and work trips. From a meeting in Nyeri to setting up branded signage for a client’s clinic at Ruiru Mugutha, off Thika Superhighway, it was a productive month, even if my own birthday felt a little underwhelming and bittersweet as I’d hoped for a surprise treat or vacation—something a little extra. Though he did get me flowers, which I was and still am truly grateful for, I’ve resolved to plan my own celebration next year instead of holding onto unspoken wishes. I’ve learned that sometimes, you have to create your own amazing plans. Note to self: for the next birthday, I’ll plan something special!
October and November were quieter months spent balancing work and personal time, but no less meaningful. A simple front porch BBQ on one of the days reminded us how important it is to slow down and enjoy life’s little pleasures. We enjoyed some grilled mishikaki, nyama choma, skewered mixed veggies, samosas, and soft drinks on our front porch—just the two of us, savoring grilled goodness under the afternoon sun. For the rest of the month, most of our days were spent driving around for work and errands, appreciating the little moments in between.
The rest of the year unfolded in a mix of work and personal growth. By December, we embraced Kenya’s vibrant culture again and the activities we did this month were the perfect way to end the year. It began with us showcasing at a work expo on behalf of one of our clients located in Mathioya Murang'a County, a rustic hotel called Aberdare Cottages and Fishing Lodge, at the Village Market Mall. It was rewarding to see our efforts come to life and connect with people who appreciated the brand we were representing.
On December 8th, we headed to Whistling Morans for Bike Fest, where we immersed ourselves in the thrilling world of motorbike culture. Attending Bike Fest at Whistling Morans gave us the adrenaline rush we needed. The 22nd brought even more excitement as we attended the Kenyan Summer edition of Blankets and Wine. With my hair colored in the Kenyan flag’s vibrant hues, we danced and celebrated alongside beautiful Kenyans in the spirit of unity and joy. Blankets and Wine felt like a warm hug from our community of creative souls. As we danced to live music, sampled incredible food, and mingled with friends new and old at the outdoor event, it reminded us of the simple pleasures of being present in the moment. In a fast-paced world, it was a grounding experience, one that made us grateful for the beautiful things that Kenya has to offer—both in nature and culture.
Christmas was low-key especially after all the abductions and state-sanctioned murders, a reflection of the tough economy under Ruto’s government. But we treated ourselves to some boba tea at Booba in Gigiri Box Park, savoring the little joys.
Finally, on New Year’s Eve, we took a short evening drive before settling in to watch the most spectacular fireworks displays from GTC, Two Rivers Mall, and other spots—right from our front yard. The colorful explosions lit up the sky and filled us with hope for the year ahead. Though Christmas was quiet and less festive than previous years, watching fireworks from our porch reminded us to keep dreaming. By the time we wrapped up our December adventures, we knew we had given the year our all. 2024 taught us resilience, gratitude, and the importance of carving out moments of joy—even when the world feels heavy.
2025: Planning the Road Ahead
As we dive into 2025, our resolutions revolve around balance, adventure, and growth. Here’s how we plan to make it happen:
- Prioritize Work-Life Balance — One of the biggest lessons we learned from 2024 is the importance of striking a balance between work and play. We don’t want to burn out from the hustle, nor do we want to miss out on the incredible moments life has to offer. So, our first resolution for 2025 is to establish clearer boundaries between our work hours and our time for adventure. We’ll be setting aside specific days or weekends for road trips, exploring new spots in Kenya, or even venturing out to neighboring countries like Uganda and Tanzania. No matter how busy work gets, we’re committed to stepping away from the desk and hitting the road together. Whether it’s taking better care of our car or nurturing our growing plant collection, we’re dedicating time to what keeps us grounded and focusing on wellness.
- Plan Road Trips Around Events — One of the things we love most is attending events that align with our interests—whether it’s motorbike festivals, music festivals, or cultural celebrations. In 2025, we plan to incorporate these events into our travel plans. We’ve already got our eyes on some exciting events throughout the year, like The WRC Safari Rally during Easter, Nairobi Fashion Week, and The Mijikenda Cultural Festival popularly called Diani Ngalawa Regatta Festival, among many others. These events provide the perfect opportunities to explore new places, meet new people, and experience Kenya from different perspectives. Whether it's cruising through the hills of Nakuru or heading to the coast for The Lamu festival, we want to make the most of every chance to combine work with pleasure.
- Deepen Our Connection with Nature — As much as we love the urban vibe and energy of cities like Nairobi, we also want to spend more time in nature in 2025. There’s something incredibly grounding about being outdoors—whether it's a quiet drive through the Aberdare Ranges mountain area or a camping trip under the Kenyan stars. This year, we’re determined to plan more trips to Kenya’s hidden gems: peaceful nature reserves, serene lakesides, and lush forests that offer the perfect backdrop for relaxation, reflection, and reconnection. It’s about embracing the natural world around us, and letting it inspire us to be better versions of ourselves.
- Embrace Flexibility and Spontaneity — While we love to plan, we also know that life is unpredictable. Sometimes the best moments come when you least expect them. This year, we’re embracing more spontaneity in our travel plans. Whether it’s a weekend getaway to a beach town or an impromptu drive to the Mount Kenya foothills, we want to leave room for the unexpected adventures that make life exciting. As long as we’re together, every road is the right road.
- Grow Our Travel Blog and Brand — 2025 is also the year we’re going to take our travel blog, Ride or Drive, to new heights. We want to share more stories, tips, and guides for fellow road trip enthusiasts. From reviewing the best camping spots in Nairobi to sharing insider information on the most scenic routes in Kenya, we’re excited to inspire others to live a life of adventure—whether on two wheels or four. We’re also planning to collaborate with local businesses, tourism boards, and other bloggers to expand our reach. It’s not just about our journey; it’s about encouraging others to get out there and experience the world too.
The Ride or Drive Life
Resolutions and road trips go hand in hand for us. Planning the year ahead gives us purpose, while the road reminds us to stay present and embrace the journey. 2024 may have tested us, but it also shaped us. And as we look ahead to 2025, we’re filled with hope, gratitude, and excitement for the adventures to come. Whether it’s work or travel, challenges or celebrations, we’ll be doing it together—because that’s what the Ride or Drive Life is all about.
As we step into this new year, we’re excited to continue sharing our journey with you—on the road, through our work, and in every unforgettable moment. Here’s to a year of discovery, love, and endless adventures.
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