Write Your Own Review

The National Park Nerd inside me said "Psssst Veronica, we need to go to Zion National Park; you've never been. There's no time like the present." So I said to myself "Self, you're absolutely right. Let the adventuring begin."

A quick text to my adventurously rad friend Liza and the next thing you know we are out on a flight to Las Vegas the next morning. I had compiled a relatively long list of things I wanted to do, read loads of reviews, and actually received wild feedback from a random guy at the bar just a few months prior. 

This random bar guy, whom we shall call Random Bar Guy, told me a crazy tale about Angel's Landing that had me on the edge of my bar stool. He went on and on about Angel's Landing being a strenuous hike and the last 1/2 mile was treacherously narrow, not accommodating to one's shoe size, and a single chain separating one from life and a slippery fall to one's death. It sounded terrifying and he finished his story with "If you are remotely afraid of heights don't do it". This scary story left me scarred and scared and carried over to a text with a friend that said she started the hike but didn't continue at the chain portion. 

Wouldn't you know that when we got to the Park Ranger Station to ask our list of adventurous questions, our khaki adorned tree hugger pal said "ohh sorry ladies, Angel's Landing is closed for the next few days for chain renovations. Phewieeee, I thought! Now I don't have to look like a wimp in front of Liza - Doer of Rad Things. 

Liza and I changed our game plan and somehow decided that The Narrows would be an excellent alternative. Mind you, we were warned that The Narrows was a hike through 40 degree water...for the entire portion of the hike. Those that know me from my college sports years, I was the lone ranger that couldn't hang with the rest of my injured b-ball friends in the ice tub. I'd hop in for about 45 seconds, get extremely nauseous and pop out.   I thought great, just great.  The whole time to the main hike I was mathematically figuring out how long I could last on God's Ice Bath Hike otherwise known as The Narrows. 

Right before we toed into The Narrows, we questioned two guys removing their soggy clothes. They looked at us and with sheer confidence said "meh, you'll be just fine." I'll be fine, I thought. Yes, I'll be fine! Will I be fine? Oh shit, will I be fine???

Not only was I fine, I was elated. I was adventurous. One may dare say, I was a bad ass. Liza and I hiked 8 miles total in 40 degree water through gorgeous red canyons, compelling blue green water, perfectly positioned stone steps and fallen logs all the way to "Wall Street", the most iconic portion of The Narrows because, well, it's the most narrow part. I was beyond fine, I was surrounded by breathtaking views that melted my soul and brought joy from my pruney feet up to the top of my high placed pony tail. 

The next day we were armed with snacks, water and gear ready to take on Observation Point, the highest trail in all of Zion. Liza headed over to the little ladies room as I hopped in line for the shuttle bus. Holding our place in line, I chatted with a few strangers, ate some trail mix and then notice the information board which stated : Angel's Landing - OPEN. Da fuq? Open? Oh shit, it's open. Am I excited? Did I just tinkle over excitement or nerves? Do I tell Liza? I wasn't mentally ready for this news. Stewing over how I was going to "break the news" to Liza, she happily bee-booped over to me and I blurted out "Angel's Landing is open". Gulp. I can't mentally remember her exact words, but I think there was a squeal of excitement and a ohhh hell ya! I played along, then realized I was having a schizophrenic moment. Was I terrified? Was this a cosmic sign from the Universe? The answer to both questions is yes. 

Was Angel's Landing strenuous? Sure. I had plenty of water and breath breaks. Was the last 1/2 mile chain filled for pulling one's self up and a prevention measure for slipping? Yes. Could I have fallen to my death? I mean, if I was acting like an idiot. Were my feet slipping over the edge because the path was so narrow? Psshhhh nope! Did my heart beat out of my chest due to fear? Did I get to a point where I thought, I just can't do this, it's terrifying and dangerous? Nope, not even for one second. 

Here's where I'm going with all this story telling, write your own life's review. Are you really not going to eat 
at a restaurant because some miserable crazy lady in Nebraska had cold meatloaf there once? You're telling me 
that you aren't going to experience a new movie that looks interesting because some snobby critic gave it 2 stars? How about this one....are you not going to travel out of the country solo because your cousin thinks your insane? Are you not going to find an escape route from your cushy mundane job to follow your dreams? Are you not going to wear something smokin' hot because your paranoid what others will think? Do you not snag a kiss from a new stranger because well he might be too young or not financial secure or you've overthought what your future babies will look like? Do you not live YOUR life, the life that sometimes yells out of entrapment or may whisper very delicately into your soul to go do that one thing, you know THAT thing that you've always wanted to do. 

Sometimes, often times, we listen to everyone around us instead of getting still and listening to ourselves. What's funny about ourselves is that we know ourselves like no one else does. We don't trust our own incredible intuition. We don't inhale life and exhale happiness. We don't remember the airplane oxygen mask analogy, put your oxygen mask on first then you are able to assist others. 

You are resilient. You are a tough cookie. You are smart. You know what is best for you. Sure, sometimes we need a trailblazer like Liza to encourge us along the craziest cliffs and narrowest canyons of life, but remember you're the one that had the crazy idea in the first place. 

Veronica's Guide to Experiencing Iceland

2016

2016

I spend hours, if not days, planning out my New Year's resolutions and goals for the year. There are the vision boards, the written lists, mantras repeated, goals updated etc etc etc.....

I entered into 2016 with the best intentions and optimism of what my life would be for the upcoming year. However, I tend to do a poor job spending as much time reflecting on the journey, accomplishments, lessons learned, experiences gained, funny moments and people that shaped my year. But not this year!  For my own sake, for my own keepsake, and the sake of those that have shaped this year, I'm sharing my 2016 rambles.

The Year of Love 
The romantic in me fantasies about the prince charming that will whirlwind my year. I have visions of laying on a beach in Thailand drinking Mai Thais with my bronzed beau, talking about our goals, interests, books and adventures, posting the most picture perfect moments of our adventurous love on Instagram that's everyone's envy. This year however was the Year of Love because it was the first time in ages, potentially two decades that I opened my heart up so wildly and freely. There was no overthinking, no social media posting and no exotic vacations, but there was something so right, so universally powerful and so comforting to experience life with someone that felt life in their bones the same way that I feel life. I met someone that gave me hope and reassured me to never settle, especially in love.

The Year of Fitness 
I entered into this year with one goal and that was to get my body to the level that I knew I could take it. There were four months where I didn't have a drop of alcohol, where I counted every fat, carb, protein and calorie I ingested, and days where one workout wasn't good enough. I saw changes, I competed, I got compliments, I bought smaller sizes, I had legit muscles. Never outside of college sports did I think I would wake up at 4:30am to head to the gym with my closest friends. Never did I think I'd have a friend that would organize my workout schedules and help me figure out my macros. Never did I think I'd give up tacos for 60 days straight, twice! My tunnel vision on a goal became excessive and I couldn't be more proud of almost achieving my goal. Watch out 2017! 

The Year of Opportunity
There was a period early on in the year that I was beyond content to work from home with a less demanding travel schedule and lunch time beach breaks. I thought I was living the Cali dream and I was quite content with my past accomplishments of working the Bonnaroos, the Coachellas, the Allstar weeks. I thought I was sitting pretty. Then wham, the opportunity of a lifetime presented itself via my previous but highly attractive and single bossfriend. Initially, I thought, of course I'll work with the coolest and most relevant social media company in the universe, Snapchat. Duh, no brainer. Never did I think one project that I was apart of would be called the marketing campaign of the year. Never did I think I would stand in the same room of the CEO billionaire that conjured up the product. Never did I think it would translate into a new job in 2017. And NEVER did I think the journey would include those closest to me.

The Year of Friendship
This portion is where the ramblings could continue for pages on pages, but I'll keep it short. To my Oreos, to my Brownies and to my Big Booty Cuties thank you for the laughs, the killer workouts at Afterburn, the Manhattan fireworks, silly nights at Palmilla and Sharkeez, a whirlwind trip to Mexico City, s'mores and a bonfire at Dockweiler, concerts and musician crushes, hikes to the Hollywood sign, Capital Records and The Super Bowl. Betsy, thank you for being a God-send. In a past life, we were sisters, badass skinny adventurous sisters with the best stories. Rhenee, the thing I appreciate the most about you is your loyalty. There are few people that I can count on or trust, but you'll always be there with a plan then insert our super powers and ridiculous things happen!  Steph, I can't thank you enough for your honesty and encouragement for me to send someone the most vulnerable letter I've ever typed up in my life. I love our treadmill talks and goal setting. I can't wait to call you my teammate in the New Year.

The Year of X Ambassadors
This is random and extraordinary, but in one year I managed to see X Ambassadors four times which is only appropriate since their music was the soundtrack of my year. I belted out Unsteady, Renegades and Jungle at SXSW twice, FreePress and the Greek Theatre.

RECAP OF 2016 
January 1 - Setting off lanterns in Chiang Mai with Cj, Rachie Rach and Mr. Cobb

January 6-14 - Thank you Lee for sharing Thailand's best kept secret, Tonsai; because of this stop I met Maarten, Pontus, Francois, Ash, Oleg, Samira, Garren, Travis, Ricky, Maxi, Orban and Rosa, and Jack.

February 6  - Going to the Super Bowl for Budweiser; meeting Tim Tebow, Mark Cuban and Run DMC's crew.

March 11-16 - Expo West: running 2 clients at one expo and getting enough healthy snacks to last me two months!

March 16-20 - SXSW; seeing Jamestown Revival and X Ambassadors. Meeting BBC.

April 2 - Vision board party with the girlies

April 14 - LA Kings hockey game with BBC

May 22 - Preakness with the Budweiser Crew

May 28 - Slow dancing to Lady Antebellum at Country 500

June 5 - Meeting Dick, Arturo, Soma and Christian at FreePress

June 11 - Ending up on Jake Owens tour bus with Nae Nae

June 18 - Going to the Griffith Observatory with Betsy

July 8-12 - MLB Allstar week with Motive (Betsy and Cam)

July 17 - Capital Records and the Hollywood sign with Betsy

July 27 - Seeing Cobi in concert at the Bootlegger Theater

July 30 - Joshua Tree Hugger Trip with Betsy and Reed

August 4 - Site visit with Nae Nae at Six Flags and riding a rollercoaster to ourselves

August 20 - Coldplay at the Rose Bowl (thank you Derek!)

September 4 - Bud N' Burgers Competition in Philly ;)

September 6 - Coming home to my house filled with birthday presents from Betsy, Cam, Steph, Bri  and Clarissa

October 16 - Having a meeting in Snap's Penthouse

October 30 - Pizza making

October 31 - Meeting Rick J. Caruso and having a walk-thru at The Groove

November 10 - Snap's Spectacles launch at the Blue House in Venice Beach

November 11 - 13 - Big Sur trip to Big Sur Bakery, Phieffer Beach/Keyhole and Brixby Bridge #iateallllllllthecookies #bucketlist

November 20 - Trip to Mexico City with Daniel and Nae Nae to see Nuk play!

December 4 - Placing a Snapbot on a mountain in Griffith Park

December 5 - Seeing Kaleo play at The Roxy

December 29 - Killer work trip to somewhere incredible :)

TETER TOTTER AND HOTTER

I joined a cult.

The leader was passionate, charming, moving and had huge biceps. Life's timing was impeccable because I was in a quandary, looking for guidance. I remember on Day One listening to the leader preach that outsiders would mistake our passion and call it excessive. Here I humbly stand, three months later, proclaiming his vision as a transformed human being still on my quest.

Basically, what I'm saying is that I joined a gym not just any gym, but I'll get to that.

For the past two years, I've been on a huge search for balance. Balance in my work, play, travel, meditation, finances, friends and fitness, and to be quite honest, up until a few months ago I felt like I had nailed the zensation sweet spot of my life. Great job? Check. Sweet living spot? Oh yeah. Friends? The best. Finances? I'm not making it rain, but I'm also not in drought. Meditation? Pretty often. Fitness? Sure, I go to the gym. Travel? Have you seen my Instagram?

But as I sat on the floor listening to this wise (and buff) leader on that memorable Day One, he spoke over and over again about the two bad bad D words. Dedication and Diet. It hit me. For the past three years, my journal was filled with New Year's resolutions and a laundry list of awesomeness that had cross throughs from everything I had accomplished. All but one thing, my goal weight. Seriously. In that moment it dawned on me that balance was going to have to be thrown out the window. If I truly, sincerely desired change, I had to do something different. In that same moment a familiar mantra from my old trainer Kris annoyingly repeated in my head "If you want something different, you are going to have to do something different."

I changed everything. My night owl ways turned into a 4:20am wake-up call. My cardio heavy life-style became heavy weight lifting. My high consumption of fruits were replaced with protein. Eating out with friends became meal prepping Sundays.  My weekends of ass shaking were now mornings of burpees. Effing. Burpees.

I'll be the first to admit that this is extreme, imbalanced, hell even nuts, but my desire for a JLo butt and Ane Cheri abs outweighed my desire for tacos and mojitos (most days). When I stand on that mountain top, actually when I'm confidently in a bikini on the beach of Hermosa, the extreme imbalance will bring far more joy than moderate balance. I'll figure out a way to make this change a healthy lifestyle, but right now, let me be excessive. Let me be driven. Let me be nuts. Nuts....mmmm.

It's time to teeter totter on the side of excessive to get what I really want.

SONG OF THE DAY

Jack Garratt 

Surprise Yourself 

Thailand 2.0

I could share the best spot in Thailand to go climbing, the ultimate diving location to spot black fin sharks, the bar that serves up the most euphoric shroom shakes, tip you off on an airbnb spot that will rejuvenate your soul, suggest an elephant sanctuary that will make you feel like Tarzan, or tell you where to get the best massaman; but I'd rather guard those secrets and share them only in person so you can see my face illuminate over the details.

Sure my Thailand trip was filled with crazy midnight tuk-tuk rides, still temple moments, quiet monks, food poisoning aka Tonsai Tummy, fire shows, slack lines, nicknames, scuba diving, climbing, brilliant sunsets, a crush, and late night Thai pancakes, but the mango sticky rice sweet spot was being present in the moment and being present with incredible people. 

There was a scuba diving moment when CJ and I had sharks on either side of us, there was no cage, nothing to defend or protect us, just a GoPro, some corral, our instructor and miles of open water. A casual bike ride turned into an intimate moment where four of us explored a temple all to ourselves. A slight panic attack half way up rock climbing turned into a feeling of accomplishment and fearlessness. A tipped kayak produced moments of giggling, chanting Team America and killer GoPro footage. A simple dinner out spiraled into the most outlandish travel story I've ever experienced. An invitation to a stranger turned into a night of stargazing. A shroom shake gave someone the babbling super power to profess their love for the city of Austin for hours. HOURS. A game of connect four produced a competitive spirit in everyone that played. A French encounter turned into a hashtag and verb. One simple goodbye somehow turned into three beautiful goodbyes. 

The wild souls that filled this trip with so much laughter and unbelievable memories.... 

Rachel - Having your contagious laugh be the soundtrack of the trip heightened every experience. You're a true friend with a pure heart and a forgiving spirit. May we share many more adventures, stories and laughs for years and years. 

CJ - I wish I could clone you. Your honesty and loyalty are what I value most in our friendship. Every conversation we share, I walk away feeling renewed and valued. Thank you for accepting me just the way I am and for being so inspiring.  Also thank you for not dropping me on our climbing expedition. To many more shark, shake and connect four experiences. 

Lee - From Koh San Road to mimosas in Hermosa, we've shared quite a journey in just one year. I'm very grateful for our friendship road bump since it exposed your sincere loyalty. Your dedication to keep our friendship intact spoke volumes of love, love that I'll forever cherish. 

Hannah - I've never met someone so intense yet kind, strong and beautiful, young but full of wisdom and experiences. I'm excited to follow your journey because it's filled with greatness. 

Mr. Cobb - There's no way these words will ever find its way to you, but know that you deeply impacted our crew. Every task you were given, you went over and beyond to ensure our experiences were stellar. I can honestly say I've never met a more kind soul. This year, my wish, my lantern new year's wish is to be like you, a person that makes all those around them feel cherished. 

Ash - How do I repay someone that gave me the best nickname ever? And why did it take this long for the universe to bring us together? I know this trip was just the beginning, to many more dance parties, frenchies, laughing while kicking our legs up in the air and shakes. 

Oleg - An intimate conversation is the most beautiful gift someone can share with me. To have shared a handful with you on such limited interactions makes you a forever friend. Your perspective and kindness are powerful. 

Samira - Your spunk and sass are hilarious! The Princess needed to be put in place time and time again, you did it brilliantly. 

Maarten - Your stories and pictures of Africa along with talks of international music festivals made me   rearrange my New Year's priorities and set my sights on different experiences. I'm so happy to have met you. Happy travels around the world! 

Pontus - The love and concern that you have for your sister shines brighter than any of the constellations we observed. You are a rarity and I'm glad our paths crossed even if it was briefly. May they cross again in the near future. 

Francois - Como sa va? I don't know if you are aware that kindness exudes from your eyes and heart. We were all  enamored by your spirit. 

Garren - Here's to wishing that life brings me to Austin so that I can properly experience the city and once again hear Ricky "yar" about life. 

Orban, Rosa and Jack - thanks for making my last night in Thailand epic. The circle of trust was full force on the dance floor and as Mr & Mrs Johnson in the swimming pool.

O & R - your relationship and the way you two interact gives me hope and inspiration.  

Jack - use those dimples son and continue dropping beats. Maybe I'll be your opener at a festival! 

JoJo, Maxi, Ida, Max, Rittikeat and Kaew - thank you for being so friendly and welcoming! 

From a moon bar night in Bangkok to buckets on Koh San Road, an illuminated sky in Chiang Mai and singing happy birthday, the longest taxi ride to Phuket, a sunburnt boat ride to Phi Phi and a monkey bite, to meeting the most incredible people in Tonsai. Kob Khun Ka, Thailand.

RISKY BUSINESS

Two random conversations with friends spurred this little ditty. Alaya flat out asked me "Are you still blogging?" and my tour partner Mike asked "When did you sell your car?" 

Alaya along with Ted and a handful of other people have expressed how much they've missed my inspirational ramblings and thoughts; which, number one, made my heart melt, but number two made me realize that I have gotten away from silencing everything around me. 

The selling my car conversation made me stop and do the math that I've been car-less for 14 months. The reason that's pivotal is that's when I decided to quit my great 401k and great benefits comfort zone job to get back on the road.

Honestly I was fearful of taking a risk. Here I was *cough* cough* years old leaving behind a logical, good paying normal job for an adventurous independent contractor gig that was only 3 months long with nothing lined up past that. From that one bold, risky move I was able to vacation in SE Asia for an extended period of time, work  prime NCAA football and men's basketball games, see Antelope Canyon, attend Run DMC's Dj school, take surf lessons, see my brother play in the NFL, work with Bastille and hire an up and coming band for the current project I'm on. Hindsight makes me roll on the floor laughing because when I was packing up my work life into a cardboard box, I had several wtf am I doing thoughts, several. (Mom, wtf means wow that's fantastic) 

What's interesting is that years ago someone crazy told me " The biggest risk is not taking a risk." Between that quote and my dad's short but incredible existence on this earth, I've felt deep within my bones a need to live. Not like living hooked up to a life support of coffee and bedridden only until the weekends, but a life filled with passion, excitement, love, travel and adventure. 

Back to risks, I'm dumbfounded by how my generation's parents tell their kids "go to a good state school, find a solid government job and retire at 50." I'm not poo-pooing on that advice, I just think people should be encouraged to explore their talents and follow their passions. Who would have thought that an immigrant from Mexico that lived on the streets of San Diego would have built a highly profitable profession on rehabilitating dogs, probably not Ceasar Millan. Who would have thought that a sixteen year old high school drop out would become a billionaire by following his love for music by starting Virgin Records, maybe Richard Branson. And what about the illegitimate daughter raised by her grandmother in the farm country of  Mississippi to become Oprah Winfrey (insert Oprah quote "The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.") Is it just me or do the risk takers seem happier, more stable and sure of themselves?

I get it, I don't have a spouse, I don't have kids, go ahead throw in some more excuses....what I do have is an ever present voice reminding me that life is a gift and I shouldn't waste it on a fear of what could go wrong but on what could go right.

Two Mottoes = Tomatoes

Two Mottoes = Tomatoes 

It's interesting how great minds really do have very similar commonalities. 

I hadn't talked to one of my dearest friends in awhile and decided that we needed to catch up. After a solid two hour phone conversation, I not only walked away with the warm and fuzzies, but a stellar book recommendation (Man's Search For Meaning by Victor E. Frankl) and a challenge to come up with a life motto. He shared his life motto which is to inspire people to be healthier versions of themselves through movement and plants. 

Our conversation left me so inspired that I decided to text an acquaintance, who is also a life coach, and ask if he had a life motto. Of course, he did. He then shared his "live without limits! In every area of life strive to reach your full potential."

Without giving too much away, Man's Search for Meaning is a first hand account about a Jewish doctor that survived the holocaust. He writes openly about his experiences but circles back to the a psychoanalysis of his patients, non-survivors, survivors and guards. Frankl analyzes what the body can endure when the mind has a purpose. 

The book alone made me feel like anything "difficult" that I've faced is not worth labeling it as such and both conversations challenged me to once again live a life of purpose on purpose. It's easy to complain, it's easy to go through the motions, it's easy to live a life where you are not challenging yourself or those around you. 

I encourage you to come up with a life motto, just like I did. Gulp, to live extraordinary and encourage others to not live in the confines of fear or the mundane. 

Song of the Day:

If this song doesn't make you feel all kinds of good inside, you need to check yourself.