Born in Kansas. Things Escalated.

I’ve always been curious about the world, not just the places on a map, but the stories behind them. That curiosity has taken me pretty far, literally. I’ve stood on every continent, wandered through museums that most people only read about, and spent more time than I probably should staring at ancient artifacts trying to imagine the people who made them. History has a way of grounding me. It reminds me that no matter how modern things feel, people have always been figuring life out as they go. 

Me visiting Antarctica… penguins weren’t interested.

Thailand to New Zealand. New coat. No regrets

I’m the kind of person who can strike up a conversation almost anywhere. Airports, small cafés, random tours, it doesn’t really matter. That is how I went to Thailand and ended up skiing in New Zealand with just tropical clothing.  I enjoy people, their stories, and the little quirks that make them who they are. I’ve been told I have a voice for radio, which probably explains why I enjoy a good conversation as much as I do. Humor comes naturally too, a little dry, a little sarcastic, and usually well-timed. Life’s more interesting when you don’t take yourself too seriously.

At home, things are a bit simpler. I’m a dog person through and through. There’s something grounding about having a dog around, that steady, uncomplicated kind of loyalty. I’ve been lucky to have a couple of great ones in my life, and I’ll probably always have room for another. If there’s a dog nearby, chances are I’ve already noticed.

I like balance. I can spend a day exploring a city, digging into history, or trying something new, and just as easily enjoy a quiet evening recharging. I’m always up for an adventure, but I’ve learned that the small moments matter just as much as the big ones. Good conversation, a bit of humor, a sense of curiosity, that’s really what ties it all together.

At the end of the day, I’m someone who enjoys learning, exploring, and connecting. The world is a big place, and I’m not in a rush to be done with it.

Leopard seal in Antarctica. Not to be confused with a dog.