Overnighter

My friend, Will, and I took a short out-and-back overnighter this weekend. We biked a beautiful, 40 mile section of the Atlantic Coast route; the section we biked followed along the Delaware River in NJ and PA.

Some things I learned on the trip: I love stopping for coffee and pastries in the middle of the day when it's chilly out, I need a way to keep snacks handy to munch and ride, headwinds really slow you down, even going downhill, chocolate GU smothered on a banana is delightful, and trying to keep up with a cyclist with quads bigger than my head is extremely difficult.

Here's my action shot that Will snapped (I was too lazy to take any, myself):

Inspiration

Before I hiked the AT, I read journal after journal (www.trailjournals.com) and pined over a life on the trail. It was how I learned and gained inspiration. I saw countless photos of the many places I would visit; I fantasized about climbing those very same mountains, touching those very same border signs, and seeing those exact same vistas that make your heart skip a beat. I had a fire within me that was so fierce, so unstoppable; I had to hike the AT.

Somewhere along in my browsing for info on the TransAmerica Trail, I found this blog that really, really, hooked me in. My mind had already been made up that I'd bike cross country, but the route had yet to be determined. Randomly stumbling upon RJ's blog answered that question.

Then I found this video that she created. When I first watched it, I put it on full-screen, threw my legs up on my desk, leaned back and watched it on my 24" monitor; I had the feeling of "Yes, YES, I will DO this!" That intense fire was rekindled; I knew I had to bike cross country...so I will.

Note: Take 20 minutes out of your day to watch the video, because if it doesn't inspire you to ride a bike cross country, or even across town, it'll at least allow you to see some wonderful sights this country has to offer.

Life in Prismacolor

Markers, that is. Prismacolor markers are the cat's pajamas, the cream of the crop, a top-notch line of the finest markers an artist can buy. I haven't used mine since I graduated from art school...that was 7 years ago.

I recently landed a job as an art teacher in a Catholic grammar school. Since I was an art student, I haven't created any meaningful art. Though I worked as an art director for 4 years and intended to make art for the rest of my life, I haven't considered myself an artist for several years now. Well, I guess I'm back in the swing! I have to identify as an artist to be able to teach art.

For each project I do with my students, I have to create varying examples to show. As an artist, I learn visually in all aspects of life. I would assume that all art students need visuals to understand, as well. I've been enjoying making art again, even if it is geared towards the elementary years.

Enter Prismacolor markers on the scene. I've been using them so much recently, that I've been thinking about incorporating them as a vehicle to record my story (of my impending adventure) through art. This all sounds so glamorous in my mind as I sit on my booty and type, but already having one epic adventure under my belt, I know how exhausting it is to work that hard. On my hike, there was nothing more that I wanted to do at the end of each day than to eat and asleep. I'm hoping I can muster up the energy from time to time to write and create. Writing is my priority, and creating will fall second.

So here's to shooting for the stars. I have high hopes of making some art along the way.

On Missing Things

I’m having one of those “I’m really missing the AT” kind of days. It’s a reoccurring trend, but today I feel like I need to write about it.

I was browsing some photos earlier and was reminded of the beginning days of my hike; the cold and snow, waking up to frozen shoes, the deadened brown flora, the layer of chub on my waist, the smiles, the miles, the junk food and the routine. Pictures of shelters flooded my memory of crowded, communal living on frigid nights in the Smokey’s. Snapshots of so many faces flashed through my brain; the hundreds, or probably thousands of faces, I met. These wise words from a third grader that I’ll never forget: “You can hike this trail!” I remember when watching a movie was a novelty, and that’s a severe understatement. Playing UNO as dusk settled in, on top of Tray Mountain. I miss my tent, my sleeping bag, and the hard ground I called my bed. I’d give anything to snap my fingers and rewind the time, if for just one day.

Life was, good. 

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!

Some of my favorite things:


My down jacket(s), Smartwool socks, braiding my hair, dark chocolate, Clifford (the coziest sleeping bag ever made), strong coffee, snobby beer, gray v-neck t shirts, Under Armor leggings, the silence of the early morning, fall colors, sending packages to friends afar,  sunsets from mountain tops, ice cream, taking photos, snow, Converse, home-baked goods, fresh fruit and vegetables, talking with the same guy who always pumps my gas, Amelie, the satisfaction of making it through the yellow light, live music, writing in black ink, my moms eggplant parm, intense Jenga matches, singing competitions with Al (we both suck), listening to the bag pipes from Kelly's front lawn, conversing with old folks, chubby babies, winter hats, clean sheets, a crisp night in my tent, eating food the second it exits the oven (just like my grandma did), traveling, camp fires, rustic cabins, people watching, screaming down a mountain on skis, piano solos, cookies, apple picking, and lumberjack beards.