Pre-Brazil

I created this blog for a number of reasons. First, I wanted something to keep my thoughts and adventures, so what better than an online journal! More than that, I didn't want to sit down, compose emails, and clog inboxes. This blog was created for me and whoever is truely interested in reading what it is that I am doing. I will pour out my feelings, thoughts, adventures and heart in this blog. Stay posted.

I started this adventure with a wicked long winter break. Snowboarding, cross country skiing, New Year's in Bozeman with old friends, and hanging with my family in Montana was amazing and rejuvinating. I crave the solitude and comfort that home brings.

My study abroad program in Brazil started March 1st. After home, I spent two weeks in Santa Barbara, California where I interned at a non-profit which was created by a wonderful family. The foundation focused on improving the lives of children and safety for the city. I was privileged enough to be able to do a lot of traveling with my second mom, Natalie. While living the life of a spoiled bum, I hit the slopes and hit the theaters during Sundance in Utah, which was closely followed by some superb films at the Santa Barbara Film Festival. California was beautiful and I had such a great, relaxing time. :) I was sick for a few weeks, but after sleeping for 15 hours a day and taking Chinese herbs (YUCK) I was finally healed.

At the internship, I learned what it was like to work at a nonprofit, and I also witnessed how powerful grassroot efforts can be. People with money and a good heart combined with other people who possess compassion and good ideas makes for powerful social change. As my Granddad believes, those who use love as a social tool are the most happy and make the biggest differences in life. Always love and be kind.

California was followed by a few brief hours in Montana to pack up and watch Austin play basketball. Then, it was off to Key West for five days to visit my Granddad and Marilyn. What a time that was!! Key West is unlike any place I've ever been in the US. While speeding around the 4 by 2 mile island on bike, the most dangerous things are taxi drivers and random chickens in the street. Or, it's your granddad riding next to you at the same insane speed with a beer in his hand! Between that, the drag queen show, and bar hopping with people 15+ years older, I had a great 5 days. Again, family is my favorite thing. That and this new thing called TRAVELING!!!! See you all in Brazil!!!! (ok, I'm cheating since I'm already here, but that will be a new post.)