Neato Maps and Gratitude

 It's safe to say I've been some places. I love to travel and see and do. I've been some places, seen some tiny portion of the world. I found these cool maps that allowed me to visualize how many countries and states I have been to. At the same time they show the whole state or country. I am amazed at how little ground I have actually covered and how many places I have yet to experience. This gives me a solid case of the wanderlust. Truuk? Peru? New Zealand? Australia? Palau? Mongolia? I'm coming for you!

At the same time, I'm immensely grateful for the life I was born into and have created for myself. Utah is a magical desert adventure land with nearly every sport imaginable. I was raised mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, skiing, and camping. My dad would sneak me out of school to go ski when I was in elementary. Mom took me for horseback rides in the fields and mountains around my house. When I was older, I did these things on my own and with friends. Greatest memories ever!

I moved to the great state of Washington in all it's dark beauty after college. I'd heard it rains there. A lot. Turns out, that's not really true. Amidst all of the towering evergreens, I discovered trail running, learned to snowboard, climbed my first multi-pitch, went backpacking, and hiked beautiful Olympic trails. Did it rain? Oh yes, often. Was it awful? Nope! I loved it.

Lastly and most lately, Hawaii is home base. It is a wonderland for anyone who loves adventure. There is so much to do here no matter your priority. Beautiful beaches and turquoise waters are just the first glimpse. I worried I would have island fever, be bored, or run out of things to do. Instead I am worried that I will leave before I can hike all the trails I want to hike, dive all the wrecks, learn to surf, kiteboard, freedive, play ukulele. I have fallen in love with cycling beneath the incredible green, jagged pali (cliffs) of Eastern Oahu, doing sunrise yoga on the beach, and chasing sunsets.

So, I choose to be ever grateful for the incredible life I have. Thank you to my parents for the guidance and lessons that put me on this path, to everyone who has helped me along the way, to my beautiful sisters who provide the most delightful chaos, and to my amazing husband who brings light to my life. I love you guys!