BETH/DOLLY SANDYBANKS

Monday-Friday. Eight to five. Day after day. More of the same. I sat an ergonomically-incorrect mahogany desk and thought, what happened to my dreams of travel and adventure? When are those supposed to happen? I had a lease, too much furniture, and so many responsibilities. Was I already stuck? I was so tired, mentally, physically, spiritually…wholly.

One day I brought up the idea of quitting my job and going to New Zealand to my coworker. He laughed and said, “You won’t.”

That was all the motivation I needed.  I learned my hobbit name (Dolly Sandybanks of Frogmorton) and bought a one-way ticket to arrive in Auckland on my 28th birthday.

I had a garage sale and sold my furniture and the excess that so easily accumulates.
I started dog sitting and washing cars and doing freelance jobs. I moved back home for two months before leaving to save enough money.

It was outstanding and exhilarating. While doing help exchange for six months (working a few hours a day for my housing and food), I realized I needed to continue putting off the Monday-Friday eight to five gig for as long as possible. I had never felt so alive. Travel doesn’t have to be expensive! To read more about New Zealand and help exchange, consider buying my eBook for the price of a venti Americano: Beth of Fresh Air: New Zealand

Then I went back home to FL, spent priceless time with my grandparents, and worked multiple odd jobs. I hit the road for four months with my Kia named Sangria. After reading Donald Miller’s Through Painted Deserts in high school, this has been a dream of mine, to drive with not much of a plan, to meet fascinating people, and to live each day differently than the one before. I did help exchange out West and also stayed on a lot of couches with friends and friends of friends. I spent very little money and I had such a wealth of experiences, rich and priceless memories.

I’ve started gathering information from new people about how they’ve made friends after their twenties. I have been researching the human connection and what friendship really means and why some people are so darn likable. This thing called “chemistry” fascinates me and I am constantly confused and exhilarated by it.

Whilst driving through Idaho, I fell head over boots in love. Mountains upon mountains upon mountains. A town called Ketchum made me feel like I I was already home. It only took ten minutes in this town for me to realize it’s where I wanted to be. It was a strange but comforting feeling and I’m happy to say I now live, work, and play here. My Idahome.

I’m enjoying writing about trying to make this community my community. The people are so kind and hospitable, it’s almost not a fair case study.

I love new words and use dictionary.com’s word of the day to update you on the travels. Or other random thoughts. Now it’s inundated with a crazy handsome dog named Pal that I adopted from the animal shelter in February. He loves adventure and people and he makes me enjoy life even more.

I hope it’s a breath of fresh air. Thank you for reading.