Greetings Steemit!
My name is Evy and I feel delighted to submit my first post! I joined the Steemit community a couple days ago, and have spent some time reading through various articles on how to get started. Now, I am ready to contribute!
About me:
I was born in Chicago, and have lived there for 32 years. I've worked in higher education for 10 years and also teach yoga as well as group fitness. Well, I DID do those things- until I quit my jobs a few weeks ago to travel with my husband. More on that in a bit!
And yes, my husband Jason- he's right down there on the left. Is it too soon to declare my obsession with him? I'll wait. We got married in September of 2014 and took our honeymoon the following summer- to Spain. Little did we know, that trip would change our lives. Ninja edit: Little did HE know, that trip would change our lives. My infatuation with Spain roots back to high school Spanish class. I knew, to an extent, what I was getting myself into with that vacation. More on that, too.
Additionally, I am an avid salsa/bachata dancer as well as a fitness enthusiast. I tend to be drawn to activities that challenge my mind and the strength of my body- at the same time. Dancing, interval training, wake boarding, yoga, slack-lining, handstands.
Noting the moment that I can't do something, and deciding that I can and will accomplish it- those small victories propel me forward each day with a little extra pep. I hope to share a bit of these pieces with you in future posts. Also, it would be wrong of me to omit my adoration for food. Food is fuel, and man, do I fuel up! Food will likely make its way into future posts- I'm salivating already.
My story:
I have a habit of getting an idea stuck in my head, and then working with my whole heart to make it happen (as you may have noted by my hobbies). But I can't help it- I call it goal setting. I want to be the best version of myself not only for myself, but for those that I love and encounter each day- as a wife, daughter, sister, friend, employee, teacher, student, volunteer, etc. A thrilling way to live this life, in my opinion.
About a year ago, soon after returning from our honeymoon, I presented an idea to my life mate, rooted in my sincere belief that he is capable of accomplishing anything. It came to me on a drive home one Sunday morning, after teaching a yoga class. I remember the moment so vividly, and the nervousness in Jason's voice when I phoned him to proclaim,
"I have an idea... and we need to have a really serious conversation when I get home... and I just really need you to hear me out before you say no!"
We sat on the bed, and with tears filling my eyes and my heart exploding with excitement I remember saying,
"What if we didn't live with caution and just acted? What if we pursued the adventurous version of our dream, rather than the practical version?... What do you think?"
And I remember my husband's response-
"I think sometimes you can be overly ambitious... but let's try it."
After months of researching schools, completing applications, formatting spreadsheets, and crossing fingers [and tears, anxiety, hugs, and little pep rallies in our living room], Jason accepted an offer to attend a Masters of Data Science program at the University of Dundee in Scotland, beginning in January 2017! And to top it off, he was approved for a sabbatical leave at his job!
As part of his sabbatical, prior to his program's start, we will spend two months living in and volunteering throughout Spain- helping, learning, growing together. In December, we will settle down in Dundee, Scotland!
So yes, I quit my jobs (after working three to save up money), we moved out of our Chicago apartment (crashed with my mom for a couple months), and did much research on how to prepare for backpacking through Spain (while also preparing for a move to Scotland).
The journey just started this week in Barcelona, actually, and I am eager to share our adventures with you as we figure out this traveling lifestyle together! Join us!
"Only those who risk going too far can possibly figure out how far one can go."
-T.S. Eliot