Catch 22
life adventures

Living Life is a Catch ’22

“Well, maybe it is true,” Clevinger conceded unwillingly in a subdued tone. Maybe a long life does have to be filled with many unpleasant conditions if it’s to seem long. But in that event, who wants one?”

“I do,” Dunbar told him.

“Why?” Clevinger asked.

“What else is there?”

~Joseph Heller, Catch-22
Vision Board
My 2022 vision board.

2022. Another amazing year for which to be thankful.

More specific? See below. 😘 (Note: this was to be published in November 2022.)

As of today, I am thankful for the following:

Photo of my landing in Nepal.
Being bold, taking chances in Nepal.

*Being bold, taking chances. Living life is a true catch-22. As it should be.

Photo of me with a giant chicken fried steak.
Being bold sometimes means eating a giant plate of chicken fried steak. (Yes, of course I ate this whole thing.)

*Strength. Of mind, of body, of spirit. It always pays off, and it’s usually necessary for anything that’s worthwhile.

Photo of me in the Himalayas.
Climbing high in the Himalayas.

*Optimistic people. The glass is never half empty, the glass can be refilled, moved, replaced, etc. Its future is always bright.

*Once again, food. In Texas, in Mexico, in new US states, at the airport in Qatar, in Nepal. In villages high up in the Himalayas. I love eating in new places.

Photo of me eating yet another burger in December 2022.
I do love good food!

*Hospitality. True hospitality that comes from the heart.

*Not ever giving up. Even when it’d be pretty easy to do so, or no one would blame you if you did.

*Again, not giving up. Not giving in. Not questioning who the hell you think you are. The journey is worth it to keep going.

*Peace of mind. I hope to never settle for anything less.

*Smartwool clothing and the right hiking socks. Trust me.

*Being a wanderer. The world is so beautiful.

*People who work. Truly work, with pride and joy and responsibility.

Photo my dad's watch on my wrist.
My dad’s watch needed to be fixed and the man who fixed it didn’t charge me after I told him why I wear it and when I told him how grateful I was to people like him who fix watches.

*People who think for themselves. I have no patience or respect for people who don’t.

*People who will never be a victim. You inspire me.

*Comfy shoes and puffy sleeves. Hats and more hats. T-shirts and even more t-shirts.

*Also, a clean + organized closet for the above things…alas, I don’t have this right now. 🙃

*My own body in all its 52 years of imperfect glory—it’s freaking strong!

c
My super strong body + mind made it to Everest Base Camp.

*Having love, passion, joy, partnership and support while still being independent for almost 26 years now. Thanks, mi amor. XO

*Peyton + Kili. All their craziness, all their fur everywhere—dogs are the best.

Photo of my dogs, Kili and Peyton.
Kili + Peyton watching cows during one of our Texpedition weekends.

*Thanksgiving day itself. It’s good practice to remind ourselves to be thankful. Also, the eating.

I’m sure I’m forgetting something important or relevant, but know that I’m thankful for my healthy and happy life. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. My own happiness. Just like last year, this year, and always.

Happy Thanksgiving! Namaste. 🙏 XO

Photo of me with cows.

The longest and strongest loves + obsessions of my life have always been reading, writing, eating and traveling—and the adventures both big and small that have involved any or all of these. Whether by myself, with those I love most, or the new friends made along the way, my goal is to taste all the world has to offer. One adventure at a time.