Category Archives: Adventure

V-to-the-B… ver-ON-i-CA!

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It’s amazing how much one person can truly impact your life without you fully understanding to what extent. The past few weeks I’ve been super sappy and reflecting on memories, going through old photos and trying not to be too selfish with the time left (I say that as if someone is on their death-bed… gosh, I’m such an overdramatic sap sometimes… Lady V will never let me live this one down). It’s funny though, I’ve really taken it for granted how close we’ve lived near each other the last few months (and years for that matter) and in less than 24 hours she’ll be on her way to a life 637 miles  (yes, I google mapped it, don’t judge) from mine… that’s 11 hours and a passport away! Yep, I said passport… Lady V has finally achieved the International Badass title (about damn time!) that we’ve been waiting for since… well, since as long as I’ve known her. When we were 18 we schemed up a plan to make her English dream-life a reality… I mean, we had it down to the late night/early morning kidnapping-drive to the airport and everything. It was fool-proof, I swear… Parent proof… maybe not so much. Even though this time there will be no grand escapes, it still seems as though this adventure seems to be one more worth sharing.

But I’m so not ready for her move now! Excited, but not ready. This lady has helped shape my sarcasm (no matter how bad it still is, she’s determine to not give up), my badassness (okay, maybe I’m not that badass, but I like to think that part of her rubbed off on me) and my appreciation for metal (yes a little poppy-blonde does stand out at a kickass metal show). She has been the logic to my dramatic emotions, the voice of reason that I tend to lack, yet continues to listen without judging when I share my outrageous stories, feelings and life “troubles.”

Lady V is something else I tell ya. I’ve always found myself intrigued by her and I guess that’s why I cherish our friendship in the ways that I do. She’s most unlike any friend you’ll ever have or ever meet… you see, Lady V in a nutshell is a badass-metalhead twisted with a true southern belle… she’s hardcore with class, leather jacket and pearls… she’s a friend my life can’t survive without.

We’ve been through high school awkwardness to college adjustments to post-college uncertainty and strategically grown lives that are destined for greatness. Here’s to a new chapter that I may not physically be there to witness, but I’m so happy to be on the sidelines for. You have so much to offer this world and I cannot tell you how blessed I feel to have the opportunity to watch you take on a new country (even if it is Canada. Okay, bad joke). Never forget your southern roots, the HB love, and all of the ridiculous adventures we’ve had over the years… you, my dear, is what a friend is made of and I thank you for teaching me that. Now go teach Canada the VB way!

What a year!

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It’s hard to believe it has been a year since I started this blog… well, it was officially a year this past Friday, but I was on wedding overload… and no, not my wedding. Come on, you read this thing, you should know that I’d clue you in if I was making those kinda changes in my life… give me another 10 years for that (and yes, I can add, I know that puts me at 35 going on 36… don’t judge).

The wedding that took place this weekend was kind of perfect for my year anniversary of the beginnings of my epic adventures. It gave me the opportunity to witness two people who whole-heartedly deserved the beautiful celebration they received and all the love they were showered with. The Most Classy Gal, as she was named in the toast given by Crazy K, has been an inspiration to me over the last 10+ years that I’ve known her, but more specifically in the last three years that I’ve been so fortunate to develop an even stronger friendship with her. The Most Classy Gal is the epitome of a good friend. She has never asked for anything and is forever giving with no expectations. She remembers every meeting, date, trip, and important event you tell her about, sending wishes of good luck before and inquiring about outcomes afterward. She remembers your favorite food, dessert (even if she can’t have it herself), and soda, being sure she stocks up for whenever (even if it’s months down the road) you might stop by next.

Watching The Most Classy Gal & her now husband receive everything she never asked for, but everything she ever deserved gave me chills. It reinforced almost everything my adventures this past year have stood for: finding happiness, love, and the independence & strength she has that I so desire.

I’ve been blessed by being surrounded by friends and family very much like The Most Classy Gal and empowered to move away from those that were toxic. It has been quite a whirlwind of learning, observing, and moving on. Growing up has never been so intense and exciting at the same time. I strive to one day be a friend to the level that The Most Classy Gal is without trying and I will continue to find new adventures that test my strength and broadened my appreciation for other lifestyles & cultures. This year has been a turning point in my life and I will be forever grateful for all that have encouraged me, comforted me, loved me, and pushed me to work harder. This year was only the beginning, I can’t wait to see what’s next. Here’s to the continuation of a mid-twenties’ take on life, love, and discovering independence.

The single learning from the married: How to get free drinks…

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Guys always say that girls have it so easy when we go out because we don’t have to pay for anything. Well this girl right here has never really had that luck. Me being one of the few single ones in the group was puzzled by the fact that the married ladies got free drinks long before a guy even looked vaguely in my direction. What’s the deal? Is it that whole single-must-be-desperate vibe radiating off my skin? Is an immediate alert sent out when I walk in a room “[sound sirens] Stage 5 Clinger on the loose! Abort! Abort! I repeat stage 5 clinger on the loose!”

Finally one night, I felt an urgency (because this is important in the life of a woman, evidently) to learn the trade… “adventure woman, what is your secret?!” So adventure woman decided to walk pretty lady who shall remain nameless and me through the 7 rules of how to get a guy to buy you a drink. I must say, Chicago (once again) was blindsided by the trio-storm that happened that weekend. And I must admit, girl’s got skills… we only paid for one drink all weekend. How about them apples.

Enjoy!

 

On the long road ahead

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On my drive home yesterday from my friend’s wedding in Lawrenceburg, KY I had a long beautiful drive to evaluate my life, my career, and the things that make me happiest. There have been a lot of thoughts rolling through my head recently about my career path, what has kept me happy recently and from that, what it’ll take to keep my happiness for the long-term. Driving yesterday answered some of that. This weekend adventure helped me realize that each time I am able to get away and see things that I don’t see every day, all of those stresses that I hold onto disappear, even if only for those few days. Now, I know that I can’t afford to do adventures like this every weekend… but I’ve realized that the monotony of going to work in the same environment every day, coming home to work more in the same environment every day, and having such a jammed pack schedule that consists of a lot of work (I’m not complaining about working… just the monotony of the schedule) is really wearing on me. I need change, I need flexibility, and I need a little adventure.

You see, I was blessed and cursed at the same time by having the parents that I have. They exposed me to long road trips up and down the east coast, to camping, tubing, state parks, crowds, and a variety of other adventurous outings. They reminded my sister, brother, and me that we could do anything that we put our minds to (and actually meant it), that we were responsible to make our own decisions (which meant we were also responsible for accepting all consequences when we made stupid decisions), and that life should be whatever makes us happy. Blessing right? I think so. Yet, at times I also find it to be a curse because I’m unable to find contentment. And maybe that’s a good thing, but sometimes… it definitely causes an unsettling stir in my lifestyle.

Due to my inability to find contentment with my lifestyle and constant desire to want more, I often hear that my head is in the clouds, I live far from reality, and that it’s all just a set up for disappointment… don’t worry, sometimes I think that too. But when I make those long drives and I have the opportunity to see parts of the world through fresh eyes, I’m reminded that anything is possible and that there is a lot more out there. The world was meant to be explored, not overlooked by monotonous activity.

I want to see the world. I want to make a difference. I want more.

The motivation I needed to change

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This morning I was scrolling through my Twitter News Feed before work and came across a link to a post that refreshed my mind, gave me new perspective, and helped re-energize my drive in a way I didn’t think was possible by the written word. Timing could not have been more perfect. While I shared this blog post with a few different people after I read it and I posted a link to my Facebook, the more I’ve let my mind think on what J.D. said, the more compelled I am to share it with a larger number of you. It is a rather long entry, but it is worth every minute it takes to read it in its entirety.

As I read through each scenario or example J.D. shared, it hit home on several points that really got me thinking. You see, I’ve been internally struggling recently because I truly fear becoming complacent, I fear settling, I fear failure. I’ve made excuses for why I can’t do those very things I’ve set out to do, I get lost in not understanding how to generate revenue in my career choice, I get caught up in the what-if’s, and most of all I, myself, am my worst hater.

I’ve come to realize that others put more faith in my work and my drive than I do, I’ve allowed myself to not see my potential. I know I’m smart and I know I work hard, but a majority of the time I just see a lot of wheels spinning in place, which I find discouraging. J.D., I’d like to thank you for inspiring me to keep pushing through, to focus, and to make change when I’m not happy — change is okay. I only wish I could have heard you give this speech in person. We have a new addition to the bucket list, I think I’ll add: attend the World Domination Summit in 2013.

Please read, soak in, and be inspired. Make change happen, whatever that may be for you.

(just in case you’ve miss each link to the blog post I’m referring to, here’s one more attempt to encourage you to read it… so READ it! –> The Power of Personal Transformation: Change Your Self, Change the world)

That road gets me every time…

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http://www.becomingwhitney.com/date-day/

The other night I found myself driving late in the night down a moonlit, abandoned road distracted by my thoughts. Still in my pearls, black dress from work, and heels with my hair pinned perfectly back, I rolled down my windows so I could feel the Summer night rush through my car as the Avett Brothers‘ lyrics echoed along the empty street. As the wind moved through me, I unpinned my hair, letting the wind breeze tangles in what once was perfectly restricted from any movement. I leaned down with one hand still on the steering wheel and slipped my black peep-toe heels off so I could better feel the path I had found myself traveling down.

These nights are the nights that capture my soul and let my mind wander to places my focus conveniently ignores during the week. It was at this moment I realized the last few months I have truly just been going through the motions of daily life obligations. Work has consumed my mind, focus, and everything inside of me to the point that I’ve forgotten much of what I found when I began this path of redefining my independence. I thought back to how much I’ve grown into my skin over the last ten months, but for whatever reason, I’d lost a bit of that while getting caught up in the old insecurities, unrealistic fears, and those unworthy, yet quite influential opinions. That comfort I found in myself had tip toed out for a break without me even noticing. But the world wouldn’t sit quietly any longer and watch… the wind wanted to break my rigid motion, the stars wanted to spark my curiosity, and the moon wanted to guide me down an untraveled and quite unrestricted road… focus has been recaptured and awaken from the hazy daze of routine life I found myself in and I’m reminded:

“Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones who don’t, and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.” ― Harvey MacKay

I’m trying to fully let go Harvey, really trying.

I watched the sun set from the top of the world

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… Or so it felt. Last weekend Mr. Gentleman Caller and I took quite the adventurous journey to the highest point in West Virginia, which just so happens to be only about a three hour drive from my apartment. The original plan didn’t begin here however, the top of the world sensation only happened by chance… and it was one hell of a breathtaking  chance if you ask me.

Originally we had goals of camping in a National Park and walking almost type-rope across this incredible swinging bridge we found in a picture online… we had no clue if it really existed, but we were determined to find it.

Saturday morning we began our venture west. Remember earlier how I said it was a three hour drive? Well we turned it into a full day of driving (do not mistake that fact for complaint… it was part of what made this adventure adventure-worthy). Driving with no set time, directions, or pre-planned destination is one of my absolute favorite things. So that’s exactly what we did. I sat shotgun with an atlas and a camera as we found ourselves on roads you could never find on Google Maps, no matter how close you zoomed in on satellite view. Thank goodness for my mom’s sense of adventure and my dad’s impecable sense of direction that I’ve graciously inherited.

In search of our old swinging bridge, Mr. Gentleman Caller zoomed around turns and down mountain sides that tricked my stomach into thinking I was on the most beautiful roller coaster any life could have experienced. The swinging bridge was found, but unfortunately it was a four to six hour hike and being that we turned our adventure into a roadtrip extravaganza, this would have to be saved for another trip (*fingers crossed* with hope there will be a next trip). Upon finding this bridge, we also came across this newly opened log cabin adventure motel & rustic cabin rentals aka Nelson Rocks Outdoor Center (if you ever find yourself near the top of the world of WV, definitely check into this spot, I loved every bit of it!).

Since the bridge was out, we ventured on to accomplish original goal number two of our adventure: find a breathtaking location to photograph the sunset. See, Mr. Gentleman Caller and I may possibly have this ongoing bet of who is more obsessed with sunsets (I obviously am… he just hasn’t been clued in yet). There will be more on this bet in coming posts… you will be asked to weigh in, so get your poker faces straight and your voting fingers ready (because I will win… and you will assist me in this… duh).

Back to the goal! We heard that Spruce Knob was 17 miles from where we were and it just so happens Spruce Knob is the highest point in all of West Virginia (do you feel my story getting climatic? Are you connecting the dots? Yeah? Okay… I’ll continue). So these 17 miles possibly took all of an hour to drive because those 17 miles were made up of one long pin-curve, windy, dirt road only wide enough for one small car that we managed to fit a large vehicle on it’s path… it was working out for the most part until we came head on with a rather large RV that was most definitely no small car… predicament? Yes slightly… Well, it only made it a bit more exciting… or at lease I, as co-pilot (not driver with someone else’s life in their hands, no pressure right?) thought it made it a bit more exciting.

Finally we made it to the top… the breathtaking spot to properly photograph a Saturday evening sunset. Only, we had no idea just how breathtaking it would turn out to be. The hike to the highest point turned into hiking off the trail to find ourselves on this grassy knoll that had a 360 degree view of the entire state… no big deal right? Possibly one of the most beautiful views I’ve ever had the pleasure of witnessing. Mr. Gentleman Caller lucked out in his chivalrous courting extravaganza with this spot where we sat and ate our picnic dinner as we nerd-ishly shared photography tips while the sun set it’s pink and orange tints over the blue-hued mountaintops. Breathtaking? No, I think there are no real words for what this truly was… breathtaking was only one aspect of it.

Take a look for yourself, but know that no photograph will ever do this view justice, not even in the littlest bit.

On the drive up the mountain

Setting up the picnic exactly in the middle of this grassy knoll

How would you spend 95 years?

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My blog is mostly stories about life challenges, adventures, and love. A few months ago my dad suggested I take it from another angle, from a story-sharing angle. He was speaking of my grandmother. In honor of her 95th birthday, I wanted to use today’s post to share a little about this woman’s adventures.

I wish I could tell them like she does, with the detail and the spark that she delivers such stories still at the youthful age of 95. This is a woman who fights through anything that has come her way. She’s lived through the depression, 17 different Presidents, one true love, four children, eleven grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.

My grandmother, whom I’m named after, tells stories of working outside of the white house for $2 a day after she finished school. She tells stories of my Pop Pop’s career climbing, of the exotic places they had the privilege of visiting, the lawn mower ride when her water broke and she went into labor with my dad, stories of the social events she wore each dress she has now passed down to her grandchildren, and the list just goes on. I can only hope that the stories are continually shared as they are what shape my family.

Happy birthday Grandma Ree, thank you for everything you’ve done, sacrificed, shared, and experienced. You are admired and loved by so many!

Why Arizona?… Oh yeah, that’s why!

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Hey world! Guess what! I climbed a mountain… like a serious moutain – that’s a check off the ol’ bucket list! You see pretty lady who shall remain nameless (who actually in fact has been earlier named and will be named again later in this post) and I took our adventures to the Red Rocks in Arizona. I’m not sure Arizona fully prepared itself when we announced we were coming… but then again, maybe we weren’t fully prepared either…

We had dreams of extreme adventure, mountain singing, and grand canyon hiking… some of which we prepared for, some we definitely did not…

 

We thought maybe after that little mini unplanned adventure, maybe this time we should prepare for hiking local style. So we asked our bed-n-breakfast hosts (highly recommend Desert Rose Bed and Breakfast by the way… yes a little mini plug, deal) and our bed-n-breakfast friends, Judy, Joe, Jim, and Janet (yes those were their real names) what time we’d need to leave to make it to the Grand Canyon for sunrise. They gave us times and directions so we could plan accordingly for the next morning before going out that evening for Arizona Stronghold’s 2nd birthday celebration and a little fun hanging with the locals at Rendezvous. Again, things didn’t go quite as planned…

 

Needless to say… we needed to express what the world was doing to us…

 

So we didn’t make it to the Grand Canyon, but our adventures in Arizona were unreal. The trip was by far one of the best I’ve ever experienced. I highly recommend visiting Cottonwood, Jerome, and Sedona at least once in your life. Rent a little car and zoom around those red rocks. Attend an early morning festival, drink beer, and wander off a trail up the side of a serious mountain. Meet a few hippies that over-took a ghost town that sits a mile above the rest, I promise that part will be worth all the stories. Forget all of your fears and stand with your toes over the edge of a steep ledge overlooking the towns far below you. Take every adventure that pops up, make no plans, but buy a map… just drive and see where that takes you, my bet, it’ll take you somewhere cool. Just remember… breathe… Just breathe.

More of our trip: