It’s a vague memory, but I remember going down in a high school softball game and knowing something was severely wrong inside me.

After numerous tests and pricks (BTW this is when my dream of becoming an ER doctor or paramedic went down the tubes as every time I got blood drawn I would faint – my super queasy stomach), I was diagnosed with sports induced asthma. Why after 15 years on this earth did this pop out of nowhere? Why me? In my super competitive eyes, this was a significant weakness that I had to figure out how to overcome.

Inhalers work fine, when you keep them on you! I am notorious for not wanting to carry anything so this was a real struggle for me. Usually after a few puffs, my breathing is temporarily under control. I am keen on the triggers now which are typically fresh cut grass, heavy pollen and a drastic change in seasons. But typically twice a year, I can feel a deeper twinge in my lungs that sets off all my alarms.

During college, my most severe episode came over a Christmas break which resulted in a sudden hospital stay. I remember barely making it back for practices and wanting to hide it from my teammates, so my coaches set me up on a bike along the sidelines to still be part of the team workouts. I hated every minute of it but had to succumb to taking that one step backward to understand my thresholds and come back stronger. My mentality at the time was just pushing through by doubling up what everyone else did. They run 10 laps and I would do 20. They take 50 shots off the screen and I would shoot 100. It’s the only way I knew how to even the playing field.

My other severe episode happened during my first year working at Disney Sports and finally being setting up with my own home nebulizer machine. I was very thankful for modern technology, as now I could control the rare flare ups myself without the spectacle of an emergency room visit.

Over the years, I have mostly grown out of it and now relapse maybe once every 2 years. Fortunately, I rarely get sick, but when I do, I have a high risk of complications getting deep into my lung sacs. While I don’t live cautiously by any means, I am always subconsciously anxious and worried.

Until you have been gasping for air and genuinely scared for your next inhale, you can not comprehend how scary life can be as an asthmatic. The basic life skill of breathing is almost impossible and there is nothing you can do about it. Think about that….. no fix or problem solving can help you survive. For a person that has built her career on helping others overcome issues and removing barriers, there is nothing more humbling. And while many even think we are faking symptoms, I assure you, I wouldn’t wish that feeling on anyone.

Be kind always.

I’ll never forget it…..

After spending the morning trekking the gorgeous southern coastline of Crete, we stopped in the bay of Marmara to snorkel and swim in the marble colored beach caves. I was mesmerized by these natural wonders and spent my entire free time treading in the crystal clear waters.

After trekking over 25km the past 3 days, I opted to jump on the boat taxi for the short 10 min jaunt to our next lodging. Ilana and I got whisked away to an unspoiled hidden bay. As we cornered a small lighthouse, a quaint white village carved into the cliffside came into view. This was our home for the next 2 days!

We were bounding with excitement to go explore the town of Loutro’s cobblestone streets, as well as being swept off our feet at this unknown paradise. It was definitely a “pinch me” moment that we won’t soon forget. And the only traffic came in via trekking or boat, so again we counted our blessings in getting to enjoy this seaside gem without the threat of big crowds.

Anything goes (including bathing suits), and we did it all. We climbed to the cliffside bar overlooking the aqua blue waters of the quiet bay, sunbathed amongst only a few other curious visitors, steered kayaks along the coastline, dined in a traditional family restaurant, shopped the local markets and enjoyed every last second.

My highlight was snorkeling and swimming over a mile in and around the bay. While the sea life was almost non existent to the naked eye, I was enthralled with the jagged rock edges and couldn’t get enough. The water is extra salty and buoyant, so I felt like I could swim for days on end.

Our time came and went in a flash, and we were off to our next stunning location – Sweetwater Beach!

Every athlete has a favorite number they just have to wear. I had always been #25; however, most guards and shorter players are stuck with the smaller numbers, so I typically donned uniforms way too big for my frame. It didn’t bother me any! For a big time introvert, my number signified a safe place for me and where I could shed that skin to become a relentless competitor. Sports was my outlet where I didn’t feel judged or insecure. Beast mode.

My basketball pre game superstitions and routine were quite comical. I always had to be the first out of the locker room so that I could have some alone time to visualize the game ahead. I had my yellow walkman clipped onto my oversized shorts playing 2 songs way too loud – Name by the Goo Goo Dolls and Gangstas Paradise. And I was sucking on a grape or cherry tootsie roll pop, and if the wrapper had an Indian on it, we had extra luck on our side. Our win/loss record surely didn’t indicate the drive and passion that we had or measure everything we left out on that court.

My primary focus was to make 10 layups (split between each side without missing) prior to the onslaught of balls flying around, while emphasizing a slow follow through. I then moved to the baseline to get my fingers warmed up while dribbling back and forth for about 10 mins. I would then go to the bench to remove my jacket and eat my banana.

Another funny note…. I used to collect basketball figurines of all kinds but it was always a treat to find one that had the #25. My mom would scavenge all the Christmas shops and would find the most amazing Santa ornaments. My collection grew to over 150+ mementos and only a few years back did we both realize that we weren’t lucky, but just fell in line with Christmas Day falling on the 25th. Unbelievable!

I don’t really remember anything out of the norm in my other sports, but I was laser focused on being a great teammate and contributing. NC is a division II haven, as I quickly learned most of our opponents were within a 1-3 hour drive allowing us to play and be back to our dorms prior to midnight to study. This was invaluable to me being able to juggle 4 sports practices and games, while still maintaining a high GPA and proudly being a resident advisor in the freshmen dorm for 2 years too. In my opinion, it couldn’t have been accomplished anywhere else or without very accepting teammates, coaches and administration. I am eternally grateful for the overall experience.

Most of the scars on my body are attributed to those college days, as I truly beat myself up for 4 years. I had no fear and frequently found myself diving head first into the bottom of the score table or hitting limbs on the first row of bleachers in a dead run. Go all out or don’t play, right?!

I would go back in a heartbeat. The memories are so precious and life altering! (BTW, the tennis pic below is one of the few of me sporting a tennis skirt, so have a good laugh at my expense.)

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think anyone would want to hear my journey…..

I am humbled and honored to share my story first with my alma mater in their online biannual publication of ‘The Profile’ in conjunction with my 25th reunion this year. While I am typically an introvert and prefer the quiet of nature, I can’t help but share with anyone who will listen my passion for adventure travel. It is insanely addictive!

Recently I found a quote that sums up the last & best year of my life… “I deserve the world so I’m going to give it to myself” – unknown. Taking off on a 10 month adventure of self discovery and a break from the real world has been life changing.

Below link is my story:

https://www.lr.edu/news/backpacking-bear

I challenge you to find your “why”, be your own hero, turn your talk into action and pursue your dreams with reckless abandon.

ASPIRE TO INSPIRE! #beatrailblazer #beyourownhero #befearless #liveyourdream #yolo #noregrets #allin #gamechanger #beinspired #findyourwhy #dreambig

Do you need a reason? I always have a bag packed in the back of my car to be able to take off on a moment’s notice.

• To learn
• To be anonymous
• Feel alive
• Get to know yourself
• Experience new cultures
• Adapt to new situations
• Have adventures
• Meet people
• Challenge yourself
• Relieve built up stress
• Boost mental health
• Not look back and wonder what if??
• Because life is just too short

It’s so easy to get caught up in the routines of life. The commitments. The deadlines. The outdoors have become an outlet for me.

Find your WHY!

One of my lifelong goals was to visit every single state in the United States prior to my 50th birthday. And exactly 1 week prior to my 47th trip around the sun, I pulled into the southern state of Arkansas to achieve this dream.

Growing up on the eastern seaboard and playing youth sports, we were always on the go via weekend road trips to the next tournament. So we hit about 16-20 states as a family.

I actually didn’t take my first flight until in college, so I had a relatively late start in my quest. We grew up being expert planners and piecing together itineraries (prior to the digital age making navigation a breeze). Believe it or not, I’m actually not a huge fan of flying but my time is valuable and the fact that I want to experience many of the most remote world sites, it is now my travel mode of choice. And I’ve developed quite a knack for finding the craziest of deals….. very addictive!

I get asked quite often my favorite state and without hesitation I always answer Utah. As an easterner and water enthusiast, it’s hard to understand why. However, if you love hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, stunning landscapes and killer sunrises/sunsets, it is a nature lovers playground.

I am so blessed and thankful to have had almost 9 months to explore all the crevices of this beautiful country at the beginning of the big road-trip craze of 2020-2021. To experience many iconic sites without the normal crowds or inflated expenses, it was truly a gift.

While life on the go isn’t all glamorous, I love the freedom and solitude of the open road. It forces me to slow down to enjoy life and just be present.

The destinations on my current US bucket list are now harder to get to, but I’ll never stop planning the next adventure and get excited every time I pull out my carryon bookbag to start packing!

April in New Hampshire can be hit or miss with severe weather and I was fortunate….. until I decided to go for a summit hike to Camels Hump.

After following a dirt road into the middle of nowhere, I finally stumbled upon the trailhead with only 2 other cars in sight. The trail began in a lush forest following a serene stream. Chilly but refreshing. With a steady climb, I quickly stripped off my beanie and gloves while enjoying this calm retreat deep into nature.

Ready for a 6 mile round trip trek gaining elevation rapidly, I should have known my adventure was bound to become hairy. Midway through my uphill quest, the wet rocks became slick as ice encased each step. My pace slowed considerably and I did everything I could to avoid questionable areas. Which I should mention is big growth as I’ve always just plowed forward regardless of the risk.

The last quarter mile added in deep snowpack and I seriously contemplated turning back, as the winds and chill factor dipped into the low teens. The final push to the summit was excruciatingly cold and snail like, but I braved the steep ledges and snow/ice caking all the trees. With overcast skies, I wasn’t optimistic the summit view would prove to be worthwhile but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Peering out to the mountain ridge, the peaks were so majestic and surreal. High above civilization it was breathtaking and worth the extra effort. And after 15 minutes, I knew I had to retreat to a lower elevation.

However, the trek down would prove to be even more challenging. I passed a few avid hikers that were shocked I made it up the treacherous pass without shoe spikes and were even more curious to learn how I would make it back down unscathed. Yikes!

It didn’t start on a good note, as my first fall occurred only 100 yards from the top. I slipped on an icy patch, thankfully in my behind, and ended up sliding down almost 100 yards on my own snow slide. Equally thrilling and frightening. I eventually stopped with my foot catching on an exposed tree root. It took a while to regain some confidence, but I slowly made my way between trees and making my own path for what seemed like hours.

Again I emerged from the woods without any major mishaps (besides losing just one of my fav gloves) and another great trek to remember! (And thankful I tackled this one by myself, as I don’t think anyone would have enjoyed this crazy adventure and would have surely cursed me out multiple times.)

Is it a figment of my imagination that I graduated college 25 years ago? I must have lost time somewhere. So joining our reunion committee was a big blast from the past!

On one hand, I feel like I was walking down the hallways of the girls’ freshman dorm just yesterday. Some memories are so very vivid. I remember throwing water balloons at unsuspecting suite-mates, having Melrose Place & F. R. I. E. N. D. S. watch parties, typing notes on my word processor, making 2am Waffle House runs, going to my first frat party, napping frequently during our 10am daily convocation time slot, trying to sneak extra cereal out of the cafeteria, dreading laundry days once a month & lugging my monstrous pile to the mat, using meal trays to slide down snowy hills, breaking into the boys’ dorm after hours, selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts for sports fundraisers, running the stairs of the football stadium to stay in shape, putting on the waist belts in our intramural flag football games, challenging the guys to smash them in racquetball games, spending lots of time in the training room getting ankles taped up prior to practices, getting excited for mail/care packages from my mom, wild bus trips after winning games, changing in the van between softball games heading to my tennis matches, practical jokes against hallmates, learning to cook in the dorm kitchen, decorating halls for Christmas contests, running to the library to get on the computer bank prior to midnight closing, dressing up for Halloween trick or treating, setting up the telescopes at the rooftop observatory for the best stargazing in the city….. I could keep going!

On the other hand, it feels like a lifetime ago. I keep up with a few close friends and the rest fade over time. Facebook has reignited some of those kinships, so that we can keep up with new additions to families, graduations, losses and life changes. We have now spent more time post college than we did leading up to our acceptance into our school of dreams.

College was where we learned what we were made of and helped shape our future. It was the beginning of whatever we wanted to become and launched us into the big, bad world. I now realize from organizing all our hall team outings that my gift has always been event planning and execution, and has forged me into 2 amazing careers!

What fills the pages in your adventure book? Are some far fetched? Are some easy to check off?

How does it make you feel? Adventures:

• Make me come alive
• Challenge me to my core
• Give me purpose and direction
• Has taught me more more than textbooks
• Feel grateful for a the simple joys in life
• Allow me to find and fulfill my potential

My idea of adventure is summiting Kili or EBC, while yours might be something completely different. No matter your definition, make time to chase a few crazy adventures in your life and you will be eternally grateful (and hopefully be fueled by even more to come).