I turn 37 today. It sounds old as I type it here. And, surprise of all surprises, I’m spending the big 3-7 at an airport and then on a plane, this time headed to New Orleans for a long weekend.

Birthdays are always a time for reflection, and I find myself doing just that this morning. One year ago today, I was in New York attending a conference for a job I hated. Hating my job seemed part of existence for me; I couldn’t remember the last time I had been happy professionally. I was successful, but that doesn’t always equate to fulfillment.

Travel had always been what I looked forward to most in my life, whether it was a work trip or a vacation. In New York, I had the opportunity to have an amazing birthday dinner with my cousin, who had started a travel blog and was hoping to transition her life into doing that full time. I read through her blog, Two Traveling Texans, and was inspired! Maybe this was something I could do!

But I didn’t. I kept working, hating what I was doing, but appreciating the steady paycheck. This summer, I conquered My fear, left that position and started this site.

As I turn 37, life is uncertain. Making money doing this is a tough go, made tougher by the fact that I don’t want to recommend places or products I don’t personally believe in. But I am filled with hope and appreciation, hope for the prospect of doing this for the rest of my life, and appreciation that no matter what happens, I’ve come this far.

So happy birthday and bon voyage to me, and to a year filled with adventure and stories to share with all of you. If you want to get me a present, please follow the blog and share it! Let’s start 37 off right!!