My Story:
Call me crazy, but I devour nutrition books for fun. Yes, you read that right—fun! Most folks find them as thrilling as watching paint dry, but I can’t get enough. But it didn’t start out this way. Embarking on the quest of health and nutrition began with the humble act of deciphering nutrition labels after graduating high school. I mean I was taught this in high school PE but not really… you feel me? Growing up in a family that wasn’t particularly health-conscious, I had to navigate this path independently.
During my college years, working two jobs and self-financing everything, I took immense pride in my dietary choices. Steering clear of fast foods and pre-packaged meals, I crafted my own simple, albeit bland, dishes while still learning how to cook. Working at a restaurant provided the perk of discounted meals, where my go-to was wild-caught salmon, rice pilaf, and vegetables. Even the kitchen staff couldn’t fathom why a broke college student didn’t opt for the more budget-friendly fried options. One random day during my freshman year of college, a proverbial switch flipped in my mind. It marked the end of red and game meat, making way for only lean turkey, white chicken breast, and wild-caught salmon. Moreover, meat no longer accompanied every meal, a departure from my upbringing where it was a staple.
I distinctly recall a moment when a guy from my dorm hall said out of anyone on our floor he could see me becoming vegetarian, and I took so much offense. It’s amusing in hindsight, and I can’t quite pinpoint why I reacted so strongly. It’s as though the ingrained stigma surrounding vegetarianism from my upbringing clouded my perception, preventing me from seeing the obvious transformation in my dietary preferences. And hey Derek, if you ever somehow read this, you were on the right track with your comment… because one random day during a road trip across Canada with my then-boyfriend (now husband), I declared I was going vegan without any prior research or having watched any documentaries.
It turned out to be an incredible learning experience, further shaping my understanding of our food system and demanding a heightened awareness of the food on my fork. Over seven years into my plant-based lifestyle, I believe it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for my health. While recognizing that veganism isn’t a universal fit, it has proven to be a complete and fulfilling dietary choice for me, and many others. And just as a friendly heads-up: whether you’re a dedicated carnivore or a dairy enthusiast, you’re more than welcome here. In fact, absolutely everyone and anyone is welcome here! 💛
About Me
I’ve gone down the rabbit hole of rewriting this section more times than I’d like to admit, attempting to nail down the essence of “who am I?” Initially, I’d rattle off about my hobbies, daily routines, and professional pursuits, thinking these activities defined me. But here’s the real deal: at my core, I’m just a woman who feels everything on a profound level. Blame it on my mama; she’s got the same emotional superpower. Take sunsets, for instance—I don’t just see a burst of colors in the sky. No, no. It’s like those hues are tapping into my soul, stirring up a symphony of emotions. It’s not just about the beauty; it’s about feeling the day’s gentle slide into night right down to my bones. Yeah, I know it’s a lot.
Feeling things on a deep level is like having a front-row seat to the emotional fireworks of life—it’s a blessing and a curse rolled into one. On the upside, it turns the ordinary into the extraordinary, infusing each moment with intensity and meaning. However, on the flip side, it’s like cranking up the volume on life’s emotional playlist, and sometimes, the highs and lows can be a bit overwhelming. My husband jokes that if you were to look up “busy body” in the dictionary, you might just stumble upon a goofy picture of me—he’s probably onto something, haha. But let me set the record straight: it doesn’t mean I don’t savor a lazy Sunday morning, cozy coffee dates, or leisurely strolls—because I absolutely do! I find joy in both the unhurried pace of purposeful days and the dynamic energy of high-speed moments, recognizing that each contributes to the creation of a rich and vibrant life.
So yeah, this makes me a yes girl – I’m down for anything, anytime, especially if it involves the great outdoors and, of course, if I can bring my dog. I’m convinced these intense emotions of mine are the driving force behind my overzealous love of life.
To know me is to know Kyle and Sawyer too… So, here’s a bit about them:
Meet Kyle
Meet Kyle—hands down, the most hardworking, caring, and downright loving person in my world. Our story began back in high school, but it wasn’t until our senior year that we started dating. Fast forward to now—nearly 5 years of marriage and over 11 years together. Yes, we’ve had our fair share of ups and downs, just like any couple.
Our relationship, though, has a rhythm to it. It’s a product of continual, intentional effort—something I take great pride in. We’re always honing our communication skills, sometimes delving into the minutiae with a touch of comical precision. We’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders, lifting one another up in every aspect of life. But here’s the real magic—we make a point to give each other the space to grow individually. We believe that growing together while nurturing our own individuality is paramount to a healthy relationship.
It’s not about finishing each other’s sentences; it’s about evolving side by side, sharing dreams, and championing one another through life’s twists and turns. I’m endlessly grateful for Kyle and the life we’ve built together. As cliché as it may sound, I genuinely can’t imagine my life without him—he’s truly my favorite person.
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Meet Sawyer
In the heart of all our adventures is our Labrador, Sawyer. Whether we’re hitting the trails or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, Sawyer is our constant companion, bringing joy, enthusiasm, and boundless energy to our lives. The trio of us—Sawyer, Kyle, and yours truly—formed back in May of 2016. Junior year of college, we brought this little ball of fluff into our lives, and we’ve been one big (little), happy family ever since.
We’ve got this ongoing joke about Sawyer having zero clue how good he has it. I mean, the guy is practically living the Labrador dream—the center of our world and a seasoned traveler who’s probably seen more landscapes than your average human. When I dreamt of an adventure dog, Sawyer came into our lives with paws ready to hit the trails. And his name? Not a mere coincidence—it’s a nod to the legendary Tom Sawyer, and our Sawyer embodies every ounce of that mischievous adventurer spirit.
Hobbies:
Have I mentioned I like the outdoors enough?! ha! You get the picture so to spare you an exhaustive dive into each adventure here’s a lightning round of some of my favs. Ready?! Hiking, camping, backpacking, paddle boarding, kayaking, road running, trail running, mountain biking, road biking, skiing in all its glorious forms, rock climbing, and the list goes on! If it puts me amidst nature’s wonders, consider me all in. Running is like a form of meditation for me. I’m a sports coach and a dedicated volunteer. But it’s not all about the sweat – I love any and all crafting projects, using my hands, activating the brain cells, and letting my creativity run wild. I also find peace in gardening, and over the years, my once notorious black thumb has undergone a subtle transformation into a shade that’s more dark green, inching its way toward that coveted green thumb status. I love to read. I mean, I really love to read – physical books and audiobooks alike. I’m clocking in a minimum of 4 reads a month, a literary binge that’s been going strong for the past 5 years. Because why settle for one hobby when you can juggle a bouquet of them, right?!
Sports
With a passion for running, I’ve conquered half marathons and marathons alike. Running isn’t just a physical activity for me—it’s a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and embracing the beauty of the present moment. Now, when I’m not clocking those miles, you’ll find me donning my coaching hat for high school track and field. I am also a volunteer coach for the awesome Girls on the Run program. Switching gears now to volleyball— which has been my constant companion since 2nd-grade YMCA leagues (cue the sunglasses emoji). I still play with friends at least one night a week, more if I’m lucky. We play sand ball during the summer and courts the other 9 months – because well, I live in Oregon… I’ve also taken on the role of coaching club volleyball. It’s been so fun to share the love for the game.
Travel
Alright, I can’t forget to do a quick blurb about traveling, it’s a big part of me! Seriously, who doesn’t love exploring new spots, right? I’ve been fortunate enough to check out over 20 countries internationally and cruise through 30+ states across America. Yes, we’re lucky but we work hard and I will always cherish the memories made on these travels.
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