Q&A

I have been checking in on this blog from time to time, and came across this very thought-provoking post. Last night, while lying in bed, I answered most of these questions silently, but thought I'd share some of my favorites here. So, here goes nothing:

Why do you matter? Because I make people happy. 

What is one thing right now that you are totally sure of? That I will keep adventuring until the day I die.

What do you want to remember forever? September 14, 2009

What makes you feel secure? Clifford, my sleeping bag.

What is worth the pain? All of the speed bumps you hit while en route to your goal, no matter what it is.

What is something you’ve always wanted, but don’t yet have? A shack in the woods, with a wood stove and privy.

What will you never do? Bungee jump (I think I'd vomit)

What recently reminded you of how fast time flies? This morning, one of my oldest friends had a baby (and I am elated beyond words). It feels like just yesterday he was crying in Mrs. Walsh's class over his buzz cut that his dad gave him, or he was tossing the cap to a bottle of Jack, saying, "We're not gonna need it!" 

What would make you smile right now? A camp fire and s'mores. 

What’s the most valuable thing you own? My grandma Vera's rings. Best birthday present my mom ever gave me. 

What’s the biggest lie you once believed was true? The Tooth Fairy was so thirsty on her visit to my house, that she went for a drink and accidentally left my tooth next to the drinking glasses. Nice try, Mom!

What are you naturally good at? Fixing most anything.

What has the little voice inside your head been saying lately? DO it! Follow your heart. 

What should never be taken seriously? Life. Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. 

What are three things you can’t get enough of? Coffee, alpine air, laughter

What fascinates you? All things nature. Most recently: bird calls.

What’s something you would do every day if you could? Eat a pint of Ben and Jerry's! 

If you had the opportunity to get a message across to a large group of people, what would your message be? "If it's in your heart, make it happen." -Delaware Dave

What’s something about you that has never changed? My insane stubbornness! 

What do you have a hard time saying “no” to? Cookies, cake, brownies, chocolate. I'm sure there's more in the dessert category!

Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing? I'm doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing, and am open to whatever may come my way. 

When you’re 90-years-old, what will matter to you the most? That I carried out every one of my adventure goals. 

I'm 30, and I don't give a damn!

Yep, I'm 30. And career-less (but working towards a new one). And most of all, happy! At one time, I was 27 with a blossoming career in advertising, and a good salary. And then I trashed it all for a life in the woods, because I knew that if I stuck to khakis and cubicles, I'd be one miserable sob for the rest of my life. And, who has time for unhappiness?

After returning home from hiking the AT, I was hopelessly directionless. I compared myself to my peers, saying, "I'm now 28 and have no direction, but I should have a clear direction and be settled like everyone else." It took me some time, post-hike, to discover this one very important lesson: I don't need to be like everyone else. I had finally let go of what I thought I was supposed to be doing, and continued doing what I am supposed to be doing: living a life that works for me. Society says that we should fit a certain mold, but I'm choosing to carve out my own path.

Over the last few years, I have managed to piece together some incredible adventures; I have lived. And if I was still working in advertising, then I'd slowly be dying, not knowing the real me and what I'm truly capable of.

So...Yep, I'm 30. And career-less. And most of all, happy!