Finding Peace of Mind in the Thai Countryside

It’s been over two years and this day is still vivid in my mind. One of the best days of my life.

I think it’s when I finally FELT the truth that you can do anything you want to. Seeing that I could move across the world alone, find work and find happiness (despite being isolated) instilled so much confidence in myself.

Riding through rural Thailand on a motorbike with coconut trees in every direction and random steer bathing in shady groves was hilarious. The contrast between life in the U.S. and that day was thrilling. I’d love to relive that day to transcend the stress and anxiety that day-to-day life creates.

What memories do you hold that you would like to relive?

A Flâneur Abroad

It’s the simple things in life that can bring us so much joy. It may be a cliché, but it’s true!

A couple of weekends ago I was feeling a little stressed and down. I decided taking a ride through the countryside on a motorbike would help clear my head. It absolutely did the trick. I stopped at the beach to take in the sound of the rolling waves. I pointed a lost couple in the right direction and visited a small beach town I had been to a couple of times before. I tried a restaurant on the beach and ordered fresh fish. YUM. I had to race the sun home but this short adventure brought me so much peace. The Thai countryside is so lovely. Remember not to underestimate the value of alone time as well as the value of quiet time! Carpe Diem!

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Portland Bae-cation 11/15

Pop into the Screen Door on E. Burnside St. for brunch. The lines are long but the food is worth it.

Order the Huevos Rancheros – the best you’ll ever have. Or, opt for the tower of chicken and waffles. nom nom. SO MANY GREAT OPTIONS.

Return to places you like. I’ve only been a few times but I already feel like I have my “spots”. Find your own or feel free to use mine 😉

Traverse the walls of one of the many climbing gyms.

Lounge about at a local coffeehouse or at Powell’s books.

Appetite – bring it. Food trucks, donuts, & restaurants galore. It epitomizes Portland.

Nightlife adventures – there are plenty of young people around and trendy bars to explore. Have at it!

Don’t forget to wear plaid.

 

This acrostic poem sums up our weekend trip to Portland earlier this month. Use my suggestions if you’d like but finding spots on your own can be such a grand adventure 😉 Cheers.

Until we meet again Portland.

Sunshine Award and Inner Peace Award

Sunshine Award

Sunshine Award

I’ve been lucky enough to be awarded the Sunshine Award and Inner Peace Award from my fellow blogger http://talkingthailand.wordpress.com/ . What would a blog be without readers and other like-minded individuals who like to share their stories? I am so genuinely thankful to have the wonderful network of bloggers that I have. I graciously accept this award and look forward to passing it on to other bloggers who deserve a shout out for their writing. Continue reading

A reminder from Mark Twain

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

I hear this time and time again. It reminds me that no matter how hard of a time I am having now, I will never regret the decision I have made to move abroad.

What’s one of your favorite quotes? How has it helped you?

The ABC Award

awesome-blog-content-award

Last week, I received the honor of being presented an ABC award from a fellow blogging couple, Alison and Don of Adventures in Wonderland. Seeing as how I am still fairly new to the blogging world, I am pleased to be receiving such a tribute! Read their full post here.

Alison and Don shed themselves of all their worldly possessions and started traveling the world in 2011. They are still living and enjoying a nomadic lifestyle. Take a minute to visit their blog where you can enjoy soulful writing that brings you down to earth.

I’ll be filling out my own alphabet to share soon enough but in the mean time I would like to pass on this award to fellow bloggers who I think have ‘Awesome Blog Content’ as well. They include:

On the Luce – Demonstrates a great work/travel balance. It contains many great pictures, stories, and shared experiences.

Jasmine Wanders –  A travel blogger sharing her story on how she has maintained a life abroad. This blog also contains interesting stories and beautiful pictures.

GALLIVANCE – Inspiring stories from a nomadic couple who have been traveling the world together for many years. A very well-developed blog with tons of great content!

Mi vida en Espana – Erin’s blog contains many great pictures and stories from her travels throughout Western Europe and from her experiences from living in Spain.

Angela Travels – A well laid out blog that contains travel stories, photos, and all sorts of adventure stories about hiking, climbing, rafting and more!

 

Happy Reading!

Hello Blog World!

This is officially my very first blog post! I’m at that age where I’m really unsure just what I want to do with my life. I’m torn between dreams of adventures and the reality of a stable career and paying student loans. Over the last couple of years I have developed a huge interest in being a travel writer with a supplemental income through photography. My writing skills could use some oil so what better way then to jump head first in to blogging?! I’m excited to learn as I go and hope that people will offer suggestions or words of constructive criticism.

Carpe Diem!Image