OK, I took a longer-than-planned break from the blog. I originally shut ‘er down when I had the opportunity to provide Senate testimony. I was advised to button up my online presence, lest some old tweets be used against me on CSPAN. That is exactly what happened- but to another panelist. The exchange blew up on TikTok and Fox News [and in classic clickbait fashion, had nothing to do with the topic of the hearing]. What a time.

*This is my new baseline for stressful public speaking*

I went into 2024 with a goal of squeezing in as many far-flung adventures as possible. The first half of the year, I crushed that mission: I made it to 3 continents before the summer solstice.

*Tongario Alpine Circuit in New Zealand*

I was a busy bee, and kept the blog down while I lived it up. Then, the universe started throwing challenges my way, including: industry downturn/general economic instability, a scary family illness, and Pri Baby going over the rainbow bridge.

All of these factors led to a lot of stress, and ultimately, changes. A year later, things are better. I have a new job that I’m excited about, loved ones are healthy, and I learned a good life lesson from a large, unexpected expense.

*Maybe I should have spent a hundo k on a tricked out white truck though?*

All that said, the headline news and ultimate silver lining of this crazy year: Chris and I are expecting a baby boy in October.

*This one is giving 80s mall photo energy LOL*

Pregnancy has been a trip. Overall, things were easy for six months… I took an outrageous amount of naps the first trimester, but felt great in the middle. I even managed to sneak in my annual big hiking adventure: ~40 miles along the Cotswold Way in the UK.

I got in some light hikes when I got home, but then my body flipped a switch at 30 weeks. Since then, I’ve collected a laundry list of complaints (insulin dependent gestational diabetes! pelvic pain! knee bursitis! poison ivy?!!) that has kept me chilling around the house. The baby is happily unconcerned with my woes, and is having a great time rolling around, getting the hiccups, and kicking me with his little feet.

Today is the first day of my maternity leave, and I’m so excited to start this new chapter.

I’m also looking forward to sharing photos and stories from my big adventure year. Up first in the backlog: circumnavigating Mt. Doom.

there and back again

tongariro prep days

trailtime ‘23