Journeys With Jani

March is MS Awareness Month: Honoring the Warriors Among Us

March 3, 2025

Eat, Pray, Love, The Sitcom Called “Mary Jane”

March is a special month for me—not because of spring break plans or the first hints of warmer weather, but because it’s Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month. It’s a time to shine a light on a disease that affects nearly 1 million people in the U.S. alone—a disease I’ve been living with since my diagnosis in 2011.

MS is unpredictable. It’s a battle fought daily, sometimes silently, often with a resilience that is nothing short of heroic. That’s why this month, I want to highlight MS warriors—people from all walks of life who refuse to let this disease define them. Every day in March, I’ll share the story of someone who faces MS head-on, whether they’re a local friend, a public figure, or an advocate making waves in the fight for a cure.

What is MS?

For those unfamiliar, Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic illness that affects the central nervous system. It disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to symptoms like fatigue, vision problems, mobility challenges, and cognitive issues. No two cases of MS are the same—some people experience mild symptoms, while others face significant disability.

But what unites every single MS warrior is their strength, determination, and the refusal to back down.

Each day this month, take a moment to lift a MS warrior—someone who embodies resilience in the face of this disease. Maybe it’s someone in our own community who continues to work, travel, and embrace life with passion. Maybe it’s a celebrity like Selma Blair, who has used her platform to raise awareness. Maybe it’s an advocate fighting for better treatment options or a scientist working toward a cure.

Their stories matter because they show that MS is not a life sentence—it’s a life adjustment. And while there’s still no cure, there’s hope.

Are You an MS Warrior? Share Your Story!

If you are one of my Facebook friends and you’re also battling MS, I’d love to share your story—but only if you’re comfortable. Whether you want to remain anonymous or be featured by name, your journey could help inspire and educate others. MS affects us all differently, but together, we can spread awareness, foster support, and remind the world that we are warriors.

How You Can Help

• Spread Awareness – Share stories, facts, and resources about MS on social media.

• Support MS Organizations – Groups like the National MS Society and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation provide research funding and support services.

• Check in on Your MS Warriors – Sometimes, the biggest battle is the one you can’t see. A simple “I’m thinking of you” goes a long way.

I’m proud to be part of this warrior community, and I hope that by sharing these stories, we can create more understanding, empathy, and support for those of us living with MS.

#MSAwarenessMonth #MSWarrior #ThisIsMS #ShareYourStory

XOXO, Jani

No comments on March is MS Awareness Month: Honoring the Warriors Among Us
A Little Nighttime Magic—Planetary Alignment Edition

February 28, 2025

Eat, Pray, Love, The Sitcom Called “Mary Jane”

Weather App Rendition

Maybe I’m just a geek (okay, definitely), but I just spent a few minutes lying in my yard, staring up at the sky like a kid seeing fireflies for the first time. And y’all—it was different tonight. Not just stars twinkling, but something a little more brilliant, almost as if they were casting light instead of just reflecting it.

Why? Because a planetary alignment just happened! Now, before anyone asks—did I personally identify every single planet up there with my expert astronomy skills? Absolutely not. But I do know that some of them were visible even without a telescope, and what I saw wasn’t just the usual night sky.

Some of the planets in this lineup were playing hard to get, only visible with a telescope (or not even that, depending on conditions). But the ones you could see? Stunning. So if your sky is clear, go outside for a minute and look up. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll catch a little cosmic magic too.

#PlanetaryAlignment #LookUp #SkyGeek

XOXO, Jani

No comments on A Little Nighttime Magic—Planetary Alignment Edition
The War on Books: When Librarians Become Criminals

February 27, 2025

The Sitcom Called “Mary Jane”

There are certain things in life that should be universal common sense. Fire is hot. Water is wet. And librarians—the dedicated, overworked, and underpaid professionals who curate knowledge and inspire young minds—should not be at risk of going to jail for simply doing their jobs.

Yet, here we are.

A new bill proposed in several states would criminalize librarians who fail to remove certain books deemed “inappropriate.” That’s right—career professionals who specialize in research, education, and literacy could now face jail time for refusing to pull books from shelves.

This isn’t just about a few controversial titles. This is government-sanctioned censorship wrapped up in a false narrative of “protecting children.” But let’s be honest—this has nothing to do with keeping kids safe and everything to do with controlling what they have access to.

Parenting vs. Policing

The reality is, no book magically jumps into a child’s hands. No library forces a kid to check out a book. Parents already have the power to monitor what their children read. If you don’t want your kid reading a certain book, then be a parent and don’t let them check it out. Simple.

But what we don’t need is a group of politicians deciding that their personal opinions dictate what all kids—and adults—can read. We don’t need the government overstepping into libraries, classrooms, and bookstores to determine what knowledge is acceptable.

A Dangerous Precedent

History has shown us what happens when books are banned. It starts with one or two titles, but soon the list grows longer. Suddenly, classic literature is “too controversial.” Books about history, race, gender, or anything that challenges a narrow worldview are erased from shelves. And who suffers? Students. Readers. The future generation.

When we criminalize books, we criminalize curiosity. We tell kids that learning is dangerous. We tell librarians—those who dedicate their lives to education—that their jobs are a legal liability.

What Can We Do?

1. Speak Up. Call your representatives and tell them that censorship has no place in our communities.

2. Support Your Local Library. Attend meetings, donate, and advocate for intellectual freedom.

3. Vote. Pay attention to who is pushing these bills and vote accordingly.

4. Teach Your Kids Critical Thinking. Instead of banning books, read them with your children and have discussions. That’s how real learning happens.

Let’s be clear—this bill isn’t about protecting children. It’s about control. And when we let politicians decide which books are acceptable, we open the door to a dangerous future.

Librarians should be celebrated, not criminalized. Parents should be responsible for parenting, not the government. And the right to read should never, ever be up for debate.

XOXO, Jani

No comments on The War on Books: When Librarians Become Criminals
Gather ‘Round: The Importance Down for Dinner—No Matter Where You Are

February 26, 2025

Eat, Pray, Love, The Sitcom Called “Mary Jane”

Life is busy—believe me, I get it. Between work, kids, grandkids, travel, and everything else that life throws our way, it can feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. But let me tell you something I hold dear: sitting down together for a meal—wherever you are—is something we all need more of. And yes, that means no phones allowed!

Now, I’m not just talking about Sunday dinners (though, let’s be honest, there’s something magical about a table full of food and family). I’m talking about the Tuesday night pizza on the couch, the quick breakfast before the chaos of the day begins, or the burger grabbed at the airport between flights. It’s not about the food or the setting—it’s about being present with the people around you.

These moments—big or small—are where memories are made. It’s where you hear about your grandchild’s new favorite dinosaur, your spouse’s random funny story from work, or just share a comfortable silence over a shared love of mac and cheese. But when we let our phones creep onto the table, those connections slip away. A quick glance at a notification turns into scrolling, and suddenly that moment is gone.

I know it’s tempting—I’ve caught myself reaching for my phone more times than I can count—but I promise you, that message can wait. That email can be answered later. The world won’t end if you’re unreachable for 30 minutes. What is important is the laughter, the conversation, and the love that fills the space when you’re truly present.

And here’s the thing—sitting down for a meal together doesn’t have to be complicated. Order takeout, eat outside, or even pack a picnic when you’re traveling. It’s less about the what and more about the who. Some of my favorite memories aren’t at fancy restaurants or big family feasts—they’re at roadside diners, hotel breakfast tables, and kitchen counters covered in pancake batter.

So tonight, wherever you are—home, on the road, or somewhere in between—take a moment. Put the phones away. Pull up a chair. Look at the faces around you and soak it all in. These are the moments that truly matter.

Life is short, y’all. Make time for dinner.

With love and a full heart (and probably a plate of something delicious),

XOXO, Jani

P.S. Got a favorite mealtime memory? Share it with me—I’d love to hear it!

No comments on Gather ‘Round: The Importance Down for Dinner—No Matter Where You Are
Planes, Demons and a Whole lot of Insanity: What is Going On With Aviation Lately?

February 25, 2025

Travel Advice

Y’all… is it just me, or has the news been an absolute circus with all these plane incidents lately? I mean, I plan travel for a living, and even I’ve been watching the headlines thinking, “Okay, what in the fresh aviation insanity is happening out there?” Doors popping off mid-flight, turbulence like a mechanical bull ride at a Texas dive bar, and emergency landings popping up like whack-a-moles. It’s enough to make you clutch your travel pillow and consider road tripping everywhere like it’s 1975 again.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Jani, planes are still the safest way to travel.” And yes, statistically, they are. But c’mon—when you see stories like a plane losing a panel mid-air (yes, that actually happened) or a wheel deciding it’s just had enough of this life and yeets itself off the runway… well, even the calmest traveler might start side-eyeing the emergency exit row.

And you know what this whole thing reminds me of? An episode of Supernatural. (Yes, I watch Supernatural. Don’t judge me.) There was this demon, ya see… It’d sneak onto planes by possessing folks right before boarding, and boom—disaster struck faster than Dean Winchester can quip a snarky comeback. Of course, Sam and Dean took care of it because that’s what they do—saving people, hunting things, the family business. But that demon? Slipped away like a greased pig at a county fair. So… demon, y’all? I mean, I’m not saying it’s supernatural forces at work, but I’m also not not saying it. Stranger things have happened.

But let me be clear: I still fly. I wouldn’t be in this business if I didn’t believe in the magic of travel—turbulence, gremlins, demons, and all. (Okay, maybe not actual demons. Probably.) There’s a whole world out there to see, and I’m not about to let a few freak incidents keep me grounded. And neither should you! Just maybe give that safety card in the seat pocket a glance this time, yeah? And hey, can’t hurt to pack a little salt… you know, just in case.

So, what do you think? Gremlins, demons, or just plain bad luck? Either way, I’ve got your next trip ready—just let me know if you want an aisle seat… or maybe not near the emergency exit.

Travel safe (and maybe keep an eye out for black smoke),

XOXO, Jani

P.S. If you’re worried about flying, call me. I’ve got tips, tricks, and maybe a blessed travel charm or two.

No comments on Planes, Demons and a Whole lot of Insanity: What is Going On With Aviation Lately?
Aloha: A Quick Summary of the Hawaiian Islands🌺

February 23, 2025

Travel Advice

By Jani Aylsworth-Gunter, Take Time To Travel

Dreaming of an unforgettable Hawaiian getaway? 🏝️✨ I’m here to take you on a virtual journey through the breathtaking Hawaiian Islands! Each island offers its own unique charm, must-see sights, and incredible experiences that will make your tropical vacation truly magical. Whether you’re waking up to a sunrise above the clouds, exploring lush rainforests, or sipping a mai tai on a postcard-perfect beach, Hawaii has something for everyone. 🌅🌿🍍

🏄‍♀️ Oahu is where city life meets island vibes. Stroll along the iconic Waikiki Beach, hike to panoramic views at Diamond Head, explore the historic Pearl Harbor Memorial, or savor fresh eats at local food trucks on the North Shore.

🌄 Maui enchants with winding coastal drives, towering waterfalls, and breathtaking beaches. Cruise the legendary Road to Hana, watch the sun rise from the summit of Haleakalā, or unwind on a golden sand beach. If you’re visiting in winter, don’t miss the chance to spot majestic humpback whales!

🌿 Kauai is a nature lover’s paradise. Explore the dramatic cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast, marvel at Waimea Canyon’s vast beauty, paddleboard at Hanalei Bay, or take in the serenity of Wailua Falls. The lush greenery and peaceful vibe make it a dream escape. It also happens to be my favorite! 🌺

🌋 The Big Island brings adventure like no other. Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park to witness the power of an active volcano, lounge on rare black and green sand beaches, gaze at the stars atop Mauna Kea, or savor the island’s world-renowned Kona coffee.

💎 Looking for hidden gems? Discover Lanai and Molokai, where tranquility reigns. Relax at Hulopo’e Beach, explore the otherworldly Garden of the Gods, or immerse yourself in the rich culture and untouched landscapes of Molokai. These islands offer a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.

💵 Looking to explore all the islands without breaking the bank? A Hawaiian cruise is the perfect way to experience multiple islands without the hassle of inter-island flights or hotel hopping. Unpack once, enjoy all-inclusive meals and entertainment, and wake up to a new island each day. It’s a budget-friendly way to make the most of your Hawaiian adventure!

Ready to turn these island dreams into reality? Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, I’ll help you craft the perfect Hawaiian getaway. 🌺✈️

Let’s plan your journey to paradise today!

#TakeTimeToTravel #HawaiiVacation #AlohaVibes #IslandEscape #TravelDreams #ExploreHawaii

Jani, your go-to-gal at Take Time To Travel

The Take Time To Travel Team – Cindy, Jani, Tammy, Trisha, Krystal

Life is one big journey—and I’m sharing mine, one mile and one moment at a time. Subscribe to follow along.

No comments on Aloha: A Quick Summary of the Hawaiian Islands🌺
Sippin’ Through Kentucky: A 7-Day Bourbon Trail Adventure

February 23, 2025

Travel Advice

By Jani Aylsworth-Gunter, Take Time To travel

There’s something about Kentucky that just calls to you—the rolling hills, charming small towns, and, of course, that sweet, amber nectar known as bourbon. I recently had the absolute pleasure of planning a 7-day Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour for some clients who are heading out at the end of March—and let me tell you, they are beyond excited. Honestly, I hope they remember to bring me back a bottle (or two) of that fine Kentucky bourbon! Three to Four distilleries a day will make for a shot lickin’ good time!

Their journey kicks off in Bardstown, often called the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” Here, they’ll explore iconic distilleries like Lux Row, Heaven Hill, and of course, Maker’s Mark. Bardstown isn’t just about the bourbon (though that would be enough); the town itself oozes small-town charm with its quaint shops, historic architecture, and local eateries where the Southern hospitality flows as freely as the bourbon.

Next stop: Louisville! Beyond being home to the famous Louisville Slugger Museum, Louisville boasts an impressive bourbon scene. My clients will be strolling down Whiskey Row, visiting distilleries like Old Forester and Angel’s Envy. A highlight? The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, where they’ll get an immersive dive into bourbon-making history. Evenings in Louisville mean delicious meals at top-notch restaurants and maybe a nightcap at one of the city’s trendy bourbon bars.

From there, they’ll head to Lexington, where the bourbon experience continues. Visits to distilleries like Old Forrester, Four Roses and Woodford are on the agenda. And while Lexington is horse country, this trip is all about the bourbon, so no horse farms this time—just plenty of rich, caramel-colored goodness waiting to be sipped and savored.

Planning this trip was an absolute blast, and hearing how excited my clients are has been the cherry on top. Kentucky isn’t just a place; it’s an experience—and one best enjoyed with a glass of bourbon in hand. If a bourbon-fueled adventure through Kentucky sounds like your kind of getaway (or if you just want to know which distillery has the best tasting room), you know where to find me. After all, bourbon tastes better when you’ve got a great travel advisor helping you every step of the way.

Cheers to safe travels, smooth sips, and unforgettable memories! And to my clients: if you happen to see a bottle that screams “Jani needs this,” you know what to do.

Jani, your go-to-gal at Take Time To Travel

The Take Time To Travel Team – Cindy, Jani, Tammy, Trisha, Krystal

Life is one big journey—and I’m sharing mine, one mile and one moment at a time. Subscribe to follow along.

No comments on Sippin’ Through Kentucky: A 7-Day Bourbon Trail Adventure
Daddy vs Deddy: There IS a Difference Y’all

February 23, 2025

The Sitcom Called “Mary Jane”

Me, Cari and our Daddy

Let me start by saying I have nothing against Southern slang. Lord knows I was born and raised in the South, and a little twang is just part of my charm (or so I tell myself). But there is one thing that has always made me pause, roll my eyes just a bit, and maybe chuckle under my breath: the word “Deddy.”

Now, let’s be clear—”Deddy” isn’t really a word. It’s a pronunciation. Southern slang for “Daddy.” And while I love a good Southernism as much as the next Georgia girl, I have to admit, I’m just not a fan of “Deddy.” Maybe it’s because my own Daddy worked hard to keep us from sounding too redneck. I can still hear him correcting us when we’d let it slip out: “It’s Daddy, not Deddy.” Bless him, he tried. If you’ve ever heard me talk, you know he didn’t exactly succeed—but hey, effort counts, right?

“Daddy” feels like a universal term—one that carries warmth, familiarity, and maybe a little nostalgia. It’s what you cry out when you skin your knee, the name you yell at a T-ball game, or the voice you hear giving you advice you didn’t ask for but probably needed. “Deddy,” on the other hand? It just sounds… well, like you might be missing a few teeth and sipping sweet tea on a porch that’s seen better days. (And yes, I say that with love, y’all. Don’t come for me.)

There’s something about pronunciation that ties us to where we come from, though. Language is funny like that—it holds our history, our family stories, and those little quirks that make us us. And while I might poke fun at “Deddy,” I can’t deny it’s part of the Southern tapestry I come from. It’s the neighbor down the road, the cousin at the family reunion, and maybe even that part of me I pretend isn’t there when I’m trying to sound all professional.

But at the end of the day, whether you say “Daddy,” “Deddy,” or something else entirely, what matters is the man behind the name. For me, that’s the memory of a man who tried to raise his kids with a little polish—even if we still end up sounding like we just stepped out of a country song. And if you know our family, is was not easy for him from the other side!

So, next time you hear someone say “Deddy,” you’ll know why I smirk just a little. And if you catch me slipping up and saying it myself? Well… let’s just call it Southern charm and leave it at that.

XOXO, Jani

No comments on Daddy vs Deddy: There IS a Difference Y’all
Small Town Gossip: Should’ve Stayed in 7th Grade

February 21, 2025

Travel Advice

There’s something about a small town. The charm, the familiar faces at the grocery store, the local diner where everyone knows your coffee order. It’s comforting—until it’s not. Because let’s face it: small-town gossip is alive and well, and I can’t help but wonder… shouldn’t we have left that nonsense back in 7th grade?

I get it—there’s not always a lot to do, and sometimes the latest “Did you hear about so-and-so?” seems more thrilling than watching paint dry. But come on, y’all. We’re grown. We have mortgages, jobs, back pain, and kids who are making us grandparents. Do we really need to be spending our energy dissecting who said what, who went where, or heaven forbid, who gained a little weight? (And while we’re at it, let me just sip my sweet tea and remind you that I didn’t ask for that update.)

Here’s the thing: words matter. Gossip spreads faster than a wildfire on a windy day, and it rarely leaves anyone better off. Remember those middle school days when someone would whisper, “Don’t tell anyone, but…” and next thing you know, the whole class is buzzing? Flash forward to adulthood, and it’s eerily the same—just swap the lockers for Facebook posts and passive-aggressive church whispers.

Let me tell you what I do have time for: real conversations, belly laughs, and celebrating the good stuff. Like when a neighbor lands a new job, a friend’s kid gets into college, or someone finally takes that dream vacation (and you know I can help with that). What I don’t have time for? Petty drama disguised as “concern.” Newsflash: “Bless her heart” isn’t a hall pass for being rude.

And can we talk about the energy it takes to keep up with all that gossip? Honestly, I’d rather spend that time planning my next trip, walking my dog, or enjoying a quiet evening with my husband—who, for the record, is entirely unbothered by small-town drama and just wants to watch the game in peace.

So here’s my challenge to you, dear reader: Next time someone starts with, “Did you hear about…?” take a breath. Change the subject. Spread kindness instead of rumors. Because we’re better than this. Life’s too short, and frankly, I’d rather be talking about where you’re going on your next vacation than who Karen’s cousin’s neighbor might be dating.

Small towns are full of heart—let’s keep ours in the right place.

XOXO, Jani

No comments on Small Town Gossip: Should’ve Stayed in 7th Grade
The Great Spelling Crisis: When Your Brain Betrays You

February 17, 2025

The Sitcom Called “Mary Jane”

Y’all ever have one of those moments where you’re just cruisin’ through life, spelling words like a champion, and then BAM—you hit a wall? A completely normal, everyday word suddenly looks like you typed it in hieroglyphics. You write it, rewrite it, stare at it, say it out loud, maybe even Google it, but the more you try, the more convinced you become that you’ve never seen that word in your life.

I like to call this the Great Spelling Crisis—a rare but devastating moment when your brain simply gives up and walks off the job.

The Usual Suspects

For me, it’s words like necessary (does it have one C? Two? Why does it feel like it needs another S?), embarrass (I am, in fact, embarrassed every time I try to spell it), and definitely (or is it defiantly? Or definatly? Who knows anymore?). It’s always the simple words that get you!

Then there’s the cruel irony of technology not helping one bit. Autocorrect is just sitting there, judging you, offering suggestions that somehow make the word look even worse than before. And if you type it into Google, you get that passive-aggressive “Did you mean…?” like, YES GOOGLE, I DID MEAN THAT, but now I don’t even trust myself anymore.

The Overthinking Spiral

The worst part is the more you look at the word, the less it looks right. You start second-guessing yourself, sounding it out like a first-grader in a spelling bee: Neh-sess-sah-ree? Emb-er-ass? Then, in sheer desperation, you write it in all caps as if yelling at the letters will make them behave.

And if you’re really desperate? You avoid the word altogether. That’s right—I will absolutely change an entire sentence just to avoid spelling one tricky word. Why struggle with “necessary” when I can just say “really important”? Work smarter, not harder.

The Humbling Moment of Acceptance

Eventually, you either:

1. Give up and let spellcheck win.

2. Ask someone nearby and hope they don’t judge you.

3. Throw your phone/laptop/notepad across the room and accept that you will never spell “restaurant” correctly on the first try.

And if anyone ever dares to call you out on it? Just say, “I know how to spell it, I just had a moment.” Because, honey, we ALL have these moments. Some of us just have them more often than others.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go double-check if I spelled “definitely” right. Again.

XOXO, Jani

No comments on The Great Spelling Crisis: When Your Brain Betrays You