#ThankfulThursday (5-DEC-2024)

Things I’m Thankful for this week:

• National Parks - this week I will have visited my 26th named national park and with friends, nonetheless

• Live Music - so grateful to get to go see my favorite artists tomorrow. I get to see two of my favorite artists/band that fill me with so much emotion.

• Road Trips - As much as driving is more tiring as I age, I’m still so excited to see things all over the place. This week I’ve driven a thousand miles for work and pleasure; there’s nothing like the open road.

• Solo Travel - Being alone with my thoughts can be a double-edged sword, but I’d say it’s mostly a positive experience. I love rolling around, stopping when I want and seeing things as they come. Solo for me also means no dog, so no need to stop as often! I’ve been so overwhelmed with the mundane shit taks of everyday life. I’m sick of the cleaning, the cooking, the working, the decorating, the making the bed, the cleaning the bathrooms… I’m glad to have the alone time in the car this week.

• Quiet Time - My favorite time is time alone when it’s quiet or with another when it’s quiet. I have plenty of this when I wake up before others or drive alone sometimes. This week, it’s been healing after dealing with people all over the place.

• Snacks - Before “boy dinner and girl dinner” was so funny on TikTok, I was doing it on the regular. Snacks are essential and can be a meal. Snacks on a road trip are a step above essential, if that’s even possible.

I’m thankful for this life, no matter how fucked it’s been by my own hands and others. No matter what happens, it’s about finding the little moments that keep us going. Nothing is that serious, unless it is, don’t let me diminish your feelings by simplifying my own. Have a good week!

30 Days of Thanks - Day 4

Today I’m thankful the scenic hiking trails of the Pacific Northwest. It was the dream to live near all of them, and it was the sad reality that work and life get in the way of seeing them as often as I’d have liked. I’m thankful they exist and I’m grateful to have visited so many of them and that there are plenty left for me to see. I’m thankful they feel familiar and like home.

I’m thankful for every hill, view, and friend along the way. I’m thankful for the big trees and the knowledge of the land. The hiking trails out west hit different, and I will always miss living near them. Weirdly, it hurts less living far away from them now than it did before living out there. I still feel very deeply for the big trees, misty mornings, and snow-capped volcanoes. My heart aches for them, but now they’ll be reserved for special trips again only this time with better income, more time, and a new outlook on life. There’s nothing like vacationing to these gorgeous spots.

My appreciation for the expansive and larger-than-life hikes out west only makes me love exploring Appalachia and the Northeast even more. I slept on this region I now call home, and I can’t wait to see it all. Enjoy a few photos and memories from hiking in the PNW.

Cascade Pass - where I hiked up a mountain a few different times to see nothing but clouds. (Um, it was okay, still very cool and emotional and I heard an avalanche once)

Falls Creek Falls - This hike, with one of my most lovely and patient friends, revived my desires to explore and reignited my need for nature. This was a spectacular journey, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Ecola State Park - Getting to show my best friend a place she’s always wanted to see will never leave my brain. The expansive views of the Oregon Coast have been one of my favorite places since the VERY FIRST moment I saw them in 2008. I’m basically in tears just thinking about this.

Windy Ridge - Have you ever walked on the land forever changed by a recent volcano? See Mt. St. Helens was insane and to think about how it forever changed the ground I was walking on was insane.

Skyline Trail - Hiking around Mt. Rainier is spectacular. Sure, seeing the summit so close you feel you could lick it is neat, but have you looked off in the distance? WOAH.

Mt. Storm King - Nothing prepared my for this hike. Through the gorgeous woods and the reward was the view. Take me back.

30 Days of Thanks - Day 1

Today marks the beginning of November and a month I always try to celebrate how thankful I am for everything that I have. I’ll be doing a short post every day, highlighting something I’m thankful for and I encourage you to comment and do the same. Enjoy!

Today I’m thankful to be back in the Midwest. I’m so grateful to be near my brother, family, and friends in the Midwest and along the east coast. It’s so cool being within driving distance so that more spontaneous events can happen. I hope to visit so many of you and I hope you’ll make the trek to visit me too. The guest room is ready!

All the amazing people aside, there’s also so many good hiking and camping areas around as well so many scenic views. I’m excited to explore completely new-to-me-territory.

What are you thankful for today?