When I was 30, my mom gave me $15,000 to spend on a gap year in Italy instead of a house or wedding. I have no regrets.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
Rooftops and cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy, with mountains and bright-blue sky in the background
With my mom's help, I lived in Florence, Italy, at the end of 2023 and early 2024.

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When I moved abroad, my mother was fearful and jealous. It strained our relationship, but I had to chase my dreams.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
Courtney Cardini and her mom in the Vatican in italy
The author, left, went to Italy with her mom, right.

Courtesy of Courtney Cardini

I thought I wanted my life to be like 'Gilmore Girls'— until I started rewatching the series with my daughters

Tech Insider
gilmore girls fall
I loved "Gilmore Girls" as a teen, but the show hasn't aged well.

The WB

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