One year on the road.

One year ago today, on a rainy day in San Francisco, I packed all of my belongings in a 6x8x8 storage unit. I had no clue when I would be unpacking it, where or with who. I didn’t imagine that a year later, I’d still be traveling.

I have been living out of a backpack, traveling the U.S., Australia, and Europe for 12 months while working 40-60 hours a week in Pacific Coast hours. I have explored corners of the world and myself in ways I am still trying to understand. I have been invigorated and exhaustedinspired and discouraged…. enamored and lonely

I still haven’t had time to process it all, I’ve remained in a constant state of movement since I returned stateside in May… I have been flying or driving my SmartCar to visit friends in many cities, completing 5 more Tough Mudders and have started studying to become a certified personal trainer. There has been little rest, but a lot of love and learning.

I’m at a crossroads in my life, relationship and career… vulnerable and exposed in ways I’ve never felt before. I’ve learned to exist more peacefully in the proverbial ‘grey area‘ but it’s not been easy or something I’m entirely comfortable with.

I have a few more weeks of travel before I return to San Francisco on January 3rd to begin the next big adventure… finding home. I crave this stability. I cannot wait to return to my community there, I have traveled the world and realized that it is where I belong. It’s interesting what becomes clearer as the focus or lens changes. I’ll be unpacking and rooting in, creating routines and in some ways, beginning a new life in a familiar place. I’m walking the fine line between excited and terrified. 

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SoCal Roadtripping with my Bitty

On Sunday, October 19th, my SmartCar (Bitty) and I departed on a 2 week SoCal Road trip from San Francisco. It’s been over a year since I’ve traveled for any longer than a weekend, so it was great to get back into the mentality of couch crashing and living out of a suitcase. It was a complete mind, body and spiritual rest and rejuvenation. A heartfelt thanks to all those who hosted me or came to spend time with me as I hopped around SoCal. It was incredibly special and outrageously fun. Each interaction meant more to me than you can possibly know – I am very grateful for each of you in my life. After 1279 miles, I’m back in San Francisco and ready to tackle the next few weeks of preparation before I embark on this amazing journey.

Some highlights from my road trip:

-Picking up my first ride share and having a great time chatting with him on the way down the coast

-Cuddles and laughs with the Storts family (human and furry) in the avocado orchard

-Late night talks with Rochelle

-Line dancing in San Diego

-Karaoke in San Diego

-The gluttony of food in San Diego, every delicious bite…

-Learning the ‘Thriller’ dance with Taylor

-Completing my 3rd Tough Mudder with folks I had just met days before and a sprained toe in Temecula

-‘Couples‘ massage with Taylor after said Tough Mudder

-Did I mention the food? Because THE FOOD! San Diego, I love you.

-‘The best margarita in San Diego

-Beach bonfire in LA to celebrate a co-worker’s birthday (who I also got to meet for the first time!)

-Laying pool side in Palm Springs with one of my oldest friends

-Finding the only dive bar to ever rival El Rio’s Karaoke in LA, The Brass Monkey with my CT loves

-Walking a mile in a torrential downpour while wearing a full length dress and afro wig

-Walking Venice Beach

-Spotting Zebras on the drive up the Pacific Coast Highway

-The breath-taking views along the PCH, I will never tire of them

-Listening to Jon sing to ‘All About That Bass‘ on the drive home – also the moment when ‘our song’ came on the radio as we began the trip

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