2013 Review

Here's a few memories that stand out from 2013...

January- Started a job as a ski lift attendant in order to pay for the gear I still needed for my Appalachian Trail thru-hike.

March- Rode the Amtrak for the first time. I decided to take the Amtrak from Wisconsin to Georgia because it was 1/2 the cost of an airplane ticket.

March 22- Made it to the top of Springer Mountain and hiked to Hawk Mountain shelter.

Late April- Left the trail and took a shuttle to Asheville TN so I could catch a Greyhound back to Wisconsin. I returned back to Wisconsin and moved into my ma's house, hoping to have a new job and be gone by August.

Summer- Spent the summer with my nieces and nephews. Didn't do too much out of the ordinary. I saw a lot of movies at the local theater ($3 tickets!). Found out soo many entry level jobs require a bachelor's degree...started thinking about finishing my 4 year degree in ecology.

September- Still at my ma's house, unfortunately. Started a new seasonal job in a dusty warehouse. My nasal cavities became polluted :(

November- Still couldn't find a permanent full time job so I planned to save as much money as I could and go hiking on the AT. Maybe I would turn my failed thru-hike into a successful section hike.

December- Applied for a bunch of National Park Service jobs in all corners of the US and even for a position in Guam. Agreed to take a position in IL...no more hike for me...maybe in 2015!

Except for the one month I was on the trail, this was a very uneventful year.

 I am grateful for the time I got to spend with my family. I got to see them twice in one year (family reunion and Christmas)! For not being around since 2010, spending time with family meant a lot, because, I don't know how much longer I will be in the Midwest.

 If I had to do one thing over, I would not have stayed at my ma's house. I've learned that no matter how old I get, she will treat me like an child. Maybe this is how all parents act...I'm not quite sure. I do know, after living on your own for so long, it's difficult to have someone come into your life and micromanage your actions.

A fresh start is needed, and, that is exactly my plan for 2014. This weekend, I am moving to my new apartment in Illinois.  Here' s to making 2014 a great year!!!