To Travel or Not to Travel...Is That a Question?

On August 5th, 2014, I packed up my entire life and moved from Wilton, IA with my boyfriend, Troy, and our 3 cats (Hayden, Jango and Kirk).

What brought us here? Perhaps I should backtrack a bit...

On September 1, 2013 at about 3PM, my life changed drastically. It was then that Troy Bockenstedt picked me up for our first date. We went to Backpocket Brewery in Coralville, IA. My first Brewery experience (one of my bucket list items). While sipping on Pennywhistle Hefeweizen and eating (or, in my case, nervously picking at a piece of) BBQ Chicken and Cilantro pizza, Troy and I discussed the basic first date topics. What books are you reading? What do you do for a living? What do you like about your job? I learned that Troy had recently returned home from living/working in Oregon. He works as a traveling Physical Therapist. A job that literally allows him to live and work anywhere in the nation for roughly 3 months at a time. 

Of course this life seemed absolutely enthralling. The ability to truly experience America and everything it has to offer? Sounded amazing. Sounded wild. Sounded like something I would never be able to do. Imagine my surprise when a few months into the relationship, Troy asked if I would accompany him on his travels. Of course I wanted to scream "YES, YES, YES", but the reality of the situation came over me. I had just gotten a promotion at work, I had recently bought a house, I was coaching a High School Dance Team. My life was in Wilton, IA. But, I couldn't get the idea out of my mind.

Eight months later, my house was sold, my belongings were safely in storage, my jobs (both as Trainer and Coach) were on hold. We were going to do it!

Our good friends and family threw us a "Going Away" party. As we were saying 'goodbye' to our loved ones, we were saying 'hello' to a crazy new adventure. It was at that party that Troy's Mom, Lue, inspired me to make this journey something truly special. She said, "This experience is the canvas of your life...it is time to paint." Which explains the title of my blog. The purpose of this blog is to tell my story. Not only do I hope that it will give helpful insight to some wonderful places, but I hope that it inspires people to take chances. I never thought I would have been given this opportunity, but wonderful things can happen!

The first stop along our journey across the nation.....MAINE!