"One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it's worth watching."

I've always dreamed of traveling and seeing the world.  It started when I was a shy, daydreaming kid with a wild imagination.  I remember in elementary school there were always stacks and stacks of National Geographic magazines in the library and classroom that most of the other kids payed no attention to.  Not me.  I would look at picture after picture wishing that I could someday know what it was like to actually be in such beautiful places.

Nowadays I'm a daydreaming twenty-something with a wild imagination. Some things never change. And even more than that I have a deeply instilled fear that I will leave this life without seeing and doing all of the things I've dreamed of.  I see it as a blessing;  It has given me the determination and drive to make the most out of my life.

In the last few years I've done and seen some amazing things but there has
always been one big goal at the top of my list: Backpack through Europe.

So I'm doing it!  I'm quitting my job and hitting the road.

I made the commitment to really make it happen about six months ago and have been planning ever since.  It wouldn't be possible without the support of my family and friends.  Especially my parents.  Last May they were kind enough to let me move back home in order to save up the money to do this.  I'll be forever grateful to them.  My brother, Mindi, Val and SO many others have all been incredibly supportive and I couldn't do this without them!!

I'll be traveling for 3 months throughout most of Western Europe.  I start in Amsterdam and from there go to Cologne, Berlin, Krakow, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Crete Island, Athens, Various places in Italy, Barcelona, Bilbao, Paris and then to Ireland.  I plan on staying mostly in hostels but have also signed up for a help exchange program to stay with families and couchsurf.

I see this as a once in a lifetime adventure.  I am going with the hopes of meeting new people, making new friends, learning about other cultures, going to incredible places and having truly unforgettable experiences.  This trip will definitely force me to step out of my shell and I'm really looking forward to seeing how I grow as a person. 

I've never attempted to blog before and I'm definitely not a writer but I figured this would be the best way to keep in touch with family and friends.  I'm hoping that my love of good-times and randomness will give me plenty to write about. I'm sure I'll at least have a crazy story or two to share.... 



33 more days until I give my 2 week notice at work and I can officially announce my plans to the world.
58 days until I leave.
I'm SO excited I can hardly stand it!!