6.28.2012

just. go.

Travel. Ahhh travel. 
You could say we have a relationship, we know each other, we get each other and we will forever continue this romantic dance. However just like any relationship I'm in no way any expert. But I think I've been fairly successful and I believe that  simplicity is key. Key for many things in life including travel, a beautiful thing that so many people love to make complicated. So after listening to envious words and excuses. Seeing Pinterest explode with countless amounts of dreamy travel quotes matched with an equally dreamy photo. And being aware of the more respectable those who seek out how they themselves can be a part of the wonderful travel experience.. I've decided to share the simplicity.
Here are the only four things you need to be on your way to the leaning tower of Pisa or the Sydney Opera House.. 
1. Balls. You need the balls to go alone, because if you wait around for your friends they're most likely not going to follow through. Which means you won't. 
2. A job and budgeting skills. Save EVERYTHING. That might mean no more morning coffee and canceling netflix, but so so worth it in the end
3. Disconnect. Disconnect from the nay-sayers including the nay-sayer part of your biggest critic- yourself. It's never going to a "right time" to travel in the sense of relationships, finances or career. But you have to decide what you value more, because the "right time" will never come.
4. A deadline. Buy your ticket no matter what 2-6 months out. It makes you less likely to back out and a timeline to help you save, prepare and get excited!



6.17.2012

purple gatorade

How can someone be such an intertwined part of your life for months, years and then suddenly nothing? Not even your facebook friend.
This I will never fully understand.
When you enter this blissful romance of connection you never really stop and think that it's a possibility that it would ever be any different. That you'll always go for your weekly frozen yogurt, you'll forever be (insert nickname here) and this wonderful group of people will always be on your precious "favorites" on the beloved iphone. Then sometimes as fast as one day- nothing.
Life seriously rattles my brain how tragic it can be, almost in a way that's humorous with it's ironic tone. Almost as though it's an outside force, this thing named life sitting behind a desk with a bunch of buttons, recklessly pushing them for it's own selfish entertainment. Of course there's the "everything happens for a reason" and "it was meant to be" existing only for the coping heartbroken, as well as beer, friendship and chocolate. But then one day you walk into the grocery store and purple gatorade is on display with a giant sale sign above it and they cross your mind. What the fuck is so great about purple gatorade anyway? You have a moment.. smile or roll over eyes or both and that's it. Your mind returns back to "pasta sauce, apples and peanut butter".
There's a few where it took years to truly let go. There's a few the surprisingly took a lot less time. And there's those who will be forever on my heart, never fully understanding why


6.16.2012

sometimes

sometimes you just need to cry
sometimes you just need to scream
sometimes you just need to go on adventure

and sometimes..
you just need to dance it out

*learn to know what sometimes you currently need

6.04.2012

24

24 has been one of the best year ever.
I really think coming into your wiser years has a lot to do with it.

Here's a recap..

Birthday party May 30th 2011:
Starting off year 24 off right.. snowboarding.

Graduated college

Spent 6 amazing weeks with my soul mate- Rena Murray

Had one of the best jobs ever

Finally climbed outside

Accidentally hiked Mt. Hood

Went snowboarding.. in the summer

Experienced one of the best summers of my life

Witnessed my best friend get married

Went on my first solo trip to a non-westernized country: Central America

Hiked a volcano

   Swam in a volcano, twice

   Made the team (team zissou)

Had a surf with an entertaining Venezuelan pro surfer

Found a camp friend in a foreign country

Volunteered

Spent Halloween as a fox, on a tiny island off the coast of Honduras

Stayed the night on my very own island

  Watched baby turtles hatch

  Overcame my fear of the ocean

Meet the beautiful Lauri, travel partner extraordinaire 

Experienced Mezcal, worm and all

Went to a real life Lucha Libre show

Made last minute decisions

Moved into SE Oak St with three lovely friends

Cut down my own christmas tree

San Francisco to see Mr.David Lock

Flew myself to Vegas for a Valentines day surprise.
Following with an awesome non-traditional 
Valentines day of working a trade show.

Ran my first double digit

Became a Certified Nurse Assistant

Train: Vancouver > Portland

Completed a V5 at the circuit
=

Bought my first bike, how portland!

Sasquatch music festival! Bucket list check


Taylor ♥

"24 is the age people started taking me more seriously. 25 is the age when I started taking myself more seriously" -Jillian Barkely

Ok 25.. lets see what you got..