I've always felt a little adventurous at heart, though my frequent flier miles would tell you just the opposite. I've spent many an hour on the road, taking the scenic route to any destination (though between you and me - a lack of those green presidents plays a role in the road trip option). I've sat around campfires with friends in Utah, trying to write song lyrics to the tune of a mandolin about its red rocks (though something tells me those songs sounded better at the time). I've played crazy games of croquet in one of those quaint mountain towns I would love to live in. I've sat on tin roofs. I've lost myself among ski trails in Northern Minnesota and on the streets of New York just the same. I've hiked through Rocky Mountain National Park at midnight, guided by nothing but a bic lighter (just a note on that- a headlamp is always a good idea.) I've spent the summer months in Colorado, breaking in my liver just as well as my hiking boots. I've seen my parents limbo. I built a fort with blankets when I was 18, and thought real hard about life when I was 7.

In all, I've learned that any CD gets old if you listen to it long enough. I've learned that taking a leap of faith can ground you more than sticking to the straight and narrow path. I've learned that the back roads are the best way to see any place (unless you're lacking the AAA card to come to your rescue). I've learned that where we are is only as good as the friends we make, meet or take with us. But mostly I've learned that going places doesn't make me realize any one thing, but reminds me of everything important, awesome and downright fabulous about life.

On the verge is one great reminder...the adventure of a lifetime in New Zealand. After a short stint in Fiji (where I look forward to having nothing to do but dig my toes in the sand, sip Mai Tais and think random thoughts) I'm off to Kiwi Kountry. I plan to meander throughout the country like a river, never thinking about what's up or down stream...but simply living in today's current (no pun intended...ha). And making waves wherever I go.