Although I love sharing my stories with others, I know that no one else will ever care about them as much as I do. Still, Erin said she would read my blog so I’ve decided to start writing one, even if it’s just for her entertainment. Plus, every ridiculous adventure that I’ve had has taught me something new and made me appreciate even more the life that I already loved living, so why not write about it? As my plane is currently stranded on a runway in Texas, waiting to taxi back to the next gate that opens up so our engine can be fixed, I know that this already-over-two-hour delay is giving me a chance to exercise patience, as well as providing a little extra time for my new friends in San Francisco to wake up to my texts asking if someone can come pick me up when I finally get to the airport. (Maybe one day I’ll completely plan a full trip ahead of time…but probably not because what would be exciting about that?)
After spending 18 years Ohio with my awesome 7-person family, independence was just what I needed so I took it and ran – first to Pennsylvania, then to Mexico, Italy, Spain, England and Ireland. Finally I graduated with a BA in Spanish (you may ask “What the hell are you going to do with that?” and, to be honest, I still don’t really have a concrete answer) and I am currently volunteering for AmeriCorps for a year in Redwood City, California.
While I enjoy learning new things in any form, I know from experience that there is no better way to learn than by trying as many new things as possible and then taking opportunity that comes your way, no matter how ridiculous. Although it’s probably the opposite of what my loving parents would want, my rule of thumb is to say yes to everything – conversations with the aptly-named stranger next to me, cab rides in the not-clearly marked taxis in Mexico, partying with anyone and everyone I meet, climbing ancient pyramids even though I’m in heels and a skirt from the night club the night before, staying out until the next day with people from all different places that I met earlier that night in my hostel, showing up to places of obligation even when in a slightly-less-than-sober state, having the time of my life despite being robbed hours earlier, and taking long, cramped bus/train rides with a bursting duffel bag with broken wheels to whatever city new friends and I have decided to visit on a complete whim, even though we have no idea where to go when we get there. I say yes 100% and never look back and, because of that philosophy, I’ve learned more in my travels than I ever thought possible.
Our plane is finally about to take off and the stewardess is ready to punch me in the face so I need to turn off my computer. I will continue to add to my growing list of adventures and life lessons though so that I can blog about them (partly because I want to and partly to give Erin something to read at work).
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