CURRENT MISSION

Explore Australia and the South Pacific!

ABOUT ME

I've had the travel bug for a few years and when I finally found an opportunity go explore some of the world, I took it. I made grad school outside of the United States may 'excuse' to become an expat, and haven't regretted the decision. After a few hectic months, much uncertainty, a few life reorganizations, and a very long flight later, I now live and work in Canberra, Australia. My grad program is how I got to Australia, but the reason I came was to go on an adventure, meet people, get some awesome stories, and take the riskier life path.

I have an active lifestyle, cycling to work, working out regularly, and spending time hiking/backpacking when I can. I enjoy the opportunity to meet new people and experience different cultures that is provided by traveling. And oh, the places you get to go if you just get out the door! Also, I have what some would call a "warped sense of fun", as there is a 50/50 chance I'd rather hoof a 50lb pack up a mountain than sip margaritas at a cabana bar!

Not sure that is all there is to say about me, but it's a good enough start!

PHILOSOPHY

I find others much more expressive than I am in this regard, so I steal their words by quoting them. Here are some of my current favorites.

If it scares you, it might be a good idea to try. - Seth Godin

If your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough. - Unknown

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. - T.S. Eliot

You are a perishable item. Live accordingly. - Unknown

If there are no ups and downs in your life, it means you are dead. - A meme

A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit. - Greek Proverb

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. - Theodore Roosevelt

Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment. - Barry LePatner

The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity. - Ellen Parr

Interests

Adventure!
Backpacking
Surfing
Cycling
Space/Universe/Manned Spaceflight (If you want to see unrestrained giddy enthusiasm, ask me about this)

• working out
• traveling
• socializing
• cycling
• hiking
• backpacking
• surfing

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The most spectacular and awesome (in the truest sense of the word) view I have ever experienced was that from the top of the Southern Rim in Big Bend National Park, Texas. It has been called the 'Prettiest view in Texas' and while I haven't seen every view in Texas, I can attest that this one is stunning. In fact, I would venture so far as to say it isn't a view at all, it is an experience. Sitting on the edge of the 300ft cliff and staring out over another 4000ft drop in elevation to the thin, shimmering line of the Rio Grande in the distance, the beautiful desolation of the desert is sublime. It tugs at that place in your mind, the one that drives you to go, to seek the adventure lurking behind opportunity. It is the kind of view that overwhelms and eradicates any problems or concerns from home. I don't think I have ever been less concerned with my cell phone, Facebook, or any other of the trappings of modern life than I was while sitting atop that cliff with my feet dangling over empty air. It is not something you can capture in a photo. I tried, and not a single photo I took does it justice. Even describing it here fails to do the experience the justice it deserves, so all I can really suggest is that you go yourself. It will be worth it.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Russian Federation, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, United States