Life is better... when I kick this off!

So I should probably tell you a little about myself and what this thing is all about, right?

First things first... please have some grace with me. I went to school for Mechanical Engineering and work full time as an Engineering Program Manager at a defense company. Blogging and writing is new to me, but we all have to start somewhere. I've toyed with this idea for a few years now and finally said screw it, let's get started! If you're waiting until the perfect time, you'll never start because as Rob Dial says "perfect is the enemy of action".

So a little more about me- I was born and raised in Syracuse, NY. Basically the snow capital of the US and I am not a snow person soooo I am currently working on my escape plan. Once I can share more about that I will! I have a deep love for traveling, food, puppies, and my family so you will probably see that featured a lot in here.

This pretty much sums up my happy place - food, drinks, and a tropical location. YES PLEASE. This was taken back in Fiji in 2018.

I would love to get to the point that this blog is pretty travel-focused, but it's 2020 and travel isn't exactly happening so you'll get... me I guess. I hope you don't mind.

I really caught the travel bug back in 2013 when my family took a trip to Italy and ever since I've always been looking for the next opportunity to get out and explore. As soon as I got home from Italy I started planning how I could study abroad as an engineering major (spoiler alert: I figured it out) and then since graduation I've been hopping on any chance I get to see somewhere new. I've been to 4 of the 7 continents and 22 countries (give or take), but I'm just getting started. As I'm sure you can imagine- I have quite the bucket list going so hopefully I can get some more places checked off in 2021. I will definitely have more posts about some of the trips I've taken and tips and tricks I can provide, so buckle up and stay with me.

As I mentioned briefly earlier- I have a love for food. Whether I am home or exploring I am all about finding some good eats and tasty treats. If you've seen my IG stories at all- you've probably noticed my food pics along the way. If you're a foodie too then let's be friends and share all the good spots and secrets. I am one of the least picky eaters you'll meet so I'm up for at least trying most things so maybe you don't have to (like fermented herring in Sweden). I love documenting my food finds so I can definitely share some of my favorites with you.

Other than that I'm a blend between a super nerd and a girly girl. I've always had to find the balance in my life. In high school I was definitely a nerd, but balanced it with cheerleading. In college I was a Mech Engineering major and I had no problem hanging with the guys all day, but then I would turn around and definitely get some major girl time in at my sorority to keep me sane. Post grad I work in a male dominated field, but have a solid girl gang to restore the balance after a long day. I have more clothes and shoes than a person ever needs, but for the last 6 months I've been lounging in sweats and slippers since I've been working from home.

I've recently gotten very into personal development and working on my mindset so if you're into that too let me know! I'm sure I will sprinkle it into my posts as well. I'm currently in a 10-week course that is strongly focused on mindset and I find it so fascinating. Part of what I love about traveling is getting new experiences that can change my perspective and so I think that's part of what draws me to learning more about mindset. I am so intrigued in understanding more about where your perspective comes from and how you can control your focus and outlook to become more positive.

If you've made it this far, welcome and thank you. If we have anything in common please drop a comment and let me know! Also, if there is anything specific you would like me to write about next I am open to suggestions!

Life is better when we can do it together!

XOXO