Wizards riding unicorns shitting jelly beans could parade down my block right now, and it still wouldn’t top how amazing this year has been. Guys. Let’s bring it back to the last episode of this blog. Immediately after my last post, I got my dream opportunity. The rad folks at Matador Network brought me on as their Social Media Director. And since that moment, I have embarked on the most incredible journey that has included the following moments:
Photographed endangered horses on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Became a drone pilot and dyed my hair blue. I pretty much became
Bulma from Dragon Ball Z.
Trekked through jungles throughout Latin America.
Got escorted through San Juan, Puerto Rico’s most notorious neighborhood, La Perla… Hunter S. Thompson style.
Accepted the “2015 Most Effective Brand on Social Media Award” in Times Square.
Embodied the spice of my favorite condiment for Halloween…
…The day after I stayed in a sweet suite in Santa Barbara, California
… and then the day after that…
Became a public speaker… and then the day after that…
…Moved to Rittenhouse Square where I enjoy this view from the roof deck
EVERY SINGLE DAY! What a week that was!
And then this oddball appeared in my life and we fell in love!
That’s Jonathan Palmisano. We now travel the world and fly drones together.
A kitten came into my life. He’s the perfect companion. His name is Geronimo “Bombs Away” Kennedy. I named him that so I have a constant reminder to just dive into life with faith… BOMBS AWAY!
My face appeared in subway advertisements across New York City.
I delivered the Keynote speech at a conference in Panama City!
Then I got down with the Embera, the indigenous tribe of Panama and Colombia.
Jon and I hung out on yachts in the Pacific Ocean.
Then I came back to shore and worked with the best team in the world, documenting the gentrification of Panama City’s Casco Viejo. That’s Michaela fist bumping our guide with Blaze doing video. I’m the photographer on the scene!
I came home and a few days later it was off to NYC for the Women’s Travel Festival where I spoke to over 300 people about traveling and overcoming emotional obstacles.
My kitten grew into a cat and I do not regret teaching him to jump on my shoulders.
I had dinner with my childhood hero, Samantha Brown, host of 15 years worth of inspiring programing on Travel Channel.
Last week I hung out at the Explorer’s Club in NYC with National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions. And oh yeah, I drank wine Alex Trebek. This photo was taken in the member’s only lounge. I promised myself that when I’m a member of the Explorer’s Club this will be my chair.
This year, I lifted my oars and let myself get pushed by the current of life. But now I’m back. I no longer want to drift — I want to drive!
This post was inspired by the students I taught during my guest lecture back at my old college, Rowan University. They were so inspired and ambitious. Their creative spirits have not yet been sucked dry by every-hungry succubus of corporate America. Within them I saw the hopeful dreamer, mover, shaker, creative typhoon that I used to be. And I realized I have to start practicing what I preach. Because no matter how cool of a career you’ve got, the most important brand to maintain and build is yourself.
I’m back to share all of the behind the scenes of this absurd journey I call my life.
