A little about me
I have what some may call a free-spirit. I was raised in the beautiful state of Colorado, with a loving family who encouraged me to follow my dreams.
I graduated from Colorado State University in 2000; right out of college I worked at a corporate design firm where I realized that life is too short to toil away at a something that doesn’t fit your personality. I caught the ski bug many years earlier as a kid and after September 11th my passion for the catching the perfect powder day took me to Vail, Colorado. My cover, while “ski-bumming”, was a mountain photographer which assured me 100+ days a year of skiing.
After a few glorious years of skiing I decided it was time to get a “real job” and moved to New York City. I bought a one way plane ticket and moved as soon as the ski season was over. I had no job, no marketable experience, no place to live, no East Coast family and very little money. My perseverance and already salty attitude kept me on my feet and helped me survive those first tough years in New York.
I landed a great job at a small architecture firm where I worked for almost 7 years. While working full-time I completed a Master’s Degree at New York University; I also made many great friends, explored New York and moved into my own charming Brooklyn shoebox.
How I decided to go on this journey?
After finishing grad school I started thinking about what was next. I really wanted to go to Costa Rica to practice my Spanish, catch a few waves and CTFO (chill the F out). Going to Costa Rica for a few weeks seemed impossible if I was going to embark on the next phase of my career. So, I did what was logical; I worked diligently at my job to finish a few big projects that I’d been working on and started researching what it takes to go on a once in a lifetime trip.
Unlike many of my friends – I’m not married, I don’t have kids (or pets), I didn’t buy a home during the real estate boom and I actually had a few pennies saved up…I decided there probably wouldn’t be another opportunity in my life when I am as healthy or can afford to take 6+ months off from the daily grind.
Was I nervous?
YES, of course! If I wasn’t nervous I think there would be something wrong.
What was I most excited about?
Everything that comes around the bend; a great adventure, meeting new people, photographing the unknown, trying new foods and not having the regret of not following my dreams!
Enjoy!
Living the dream;
SURFAS-ing 
GOOD LUCK on your new travel adventure! I’m very excited for you, Jodi. I also lived in New York City for a couple years after graduate school. And it’s true, if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere! I’ve traveled solo to many places in Africa, Asia, Central/South America and Europe. I think as a female, we’re accustomed to being cautious and aware of our surroundings, no matter where in the world we are. But in my experience, the majority of locals have been really nice, generous, and often gone out of there way to be helpful because I was traveling alone.
Also, welcome to Twitter! There’s an awesome travel community that you’ll soon get to know. They’re incredibly supportive and I’m sure you’ll meet many of them in far flung places around the world.
cheers,
~Kelly
Pingback: Stoked on South Africa | SURFAS-ing