I’ve been very fortunate this year. I didn’t realize it until I started thinking about it. This year has been full of ups and downs, but here are some of the highlights:
A 4 month Road Trip: Early last year, Sarah, Missy & I packed up and headed east for 4 months. We visited my mom in Canada, my family in Ohio, her family in KY, spent a month in Florida with Glenn & Rhoda, and went on a cruise. I got to go out of country for the first time (to 3 countries), get my scuba diving license, and scuba dive in the Cayman Islands & Cozumel. We ziplined in Jamaica, toured Cozumel on scooters, and ate five star meals as we floated the atlantic.
Baffin Island: Going to Baffin Island was a 4 year dream for me, and I got to spend 30 days up there earlier this year. It was such an amazing experience, and I hope to go back!
Landing an awesome job: When I got back from Baffin, I essentially had no job and hardly any money. I was in debt from the trip, and didn’t really know what to do or where to go. I applied for some jobs, and lucked into the position I still currently have. I am the web programmer for DailyClassifieds.com. I work from home (or remotely), and work with some fun people.
Business: I’ve also been able to pick up a few clients that has allowed me to have a bit of extra play money.
Living at the Point Of The Mountain: My whole motivation with moving to SLC was to be able to fly as much as possible. I landed a room on the North Side of the Point; 2 houses down from launch. I can walk out my door and fly my paraglider and speedwing. It’s beautiful. I’ve really got to build up my paragliding skills, and have got to do a TON of speedflying.
Sarah: Although we are no longer dating, we are great friends. She was involved in a pretty bad accident shortly after we broke up (which I believe ultimately kept us close as friends – otherwise we definitely wouldn’t interact to the level that we do). I feel very fortunate to have her in my life. We hang out almost every day, and surprisingly, get along great.
Paragliding from the Dragons Nest: Ever since I first jumped it I wanted to paraglide it. I launched my paraglider from it this past weekend. I waited for almost 2 years to build up the skill necessary to do it. It is a very technical launch, but such an amazing flight.
Colombia: I’m leaving in 15 days to spend 2 months in Colombia. I’ve always wanted to travel around South America, and I was lucky enough to work my way into being able to work while I’m there. A planned 2 week vacation has turned into a 2 month remote working trip. Colombia is a mecca for adventuring (scuba diving, paragliding, climbing, caving, etc).
So yes, all in all I have been extremely fortunate this year. I wonder what adventures next year will bring? Thailand? Malaysia? Europe? We shall see . . .
