After months…okay I admit it’s actually been years, I have not kept up with my website and it’s time to change that. I’ve had so many things happen since I was posting regularly that I got steam rolled over and missed putting it here. Fast forward from 2019 to 2024 and my journey has taken me on some big ups and downs and all around the country to some really incredible places. Oh the places I have been, the joy I have found, and the memories I will cherish. And so many, many more adventures waiting ahead.
So What Happened?
First I lost my job at the Alaska Avalanche Information Center due to a cascade of bad events. The organization lost two key board members, and then I, as the Executive Director, ended up having major abdominal surgery that took me out for almost three months. This was followed by a majority of the remaining board members making some poor financial decisions that wiped out the organizations capital. Although I had applied for a number of grants that were pending, the money didn’t come through until after the organization let me go.
As they say, every challenge is good news and this was definitely true in my case. Losing that job turned out to be the best thing for my health, well-being, and life. I was able to get a job with the State of Alaska and put in two years of service that allowed me to resolve my long-standing hip issues and retire.
Sumner Lake, NM February 2024 – Camping and hiking. Sugar Bowl, Donner Pass, CA January 2024
After all the alternative treatments I tried from Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy to Physical Therapy to Stem Cell, my left hip just one day collapsed and I was completely crippled. I knew I either had to have surgery or accept that I was going to be permanently crippled which I immediately dismissed as ‘not an option!’ To my great fortune, I found Dr. Tucker Drury, an amazing orthopedic surgeon in my home town of Wasilla, and successfully had a total replacement. The doctor warned me that my right hip was in almost as bad of shape as my left and would also need to eventually be replaced. With full medical insurance and time left in the year I had already satisfied my deductible, I went ahead and had the right hip replaced eight months after the left. So three major surgeries in three years. Phew!
Fast forward to today…
All that happened almost three years ago and today, I have to say, life is wonderful again. The Avalanche Center recovered when all the grants I had applied for were funded and a board member stepped up to serve as interim Executive Director. They are humming along today and producing top quality forecasts and posting observations which makes my heart so happy. Plus I have been doing consulting work for other non-profit groups like Alaska Safe Riders and they are also doing well, growing and serving wonderful and important missions.
I am still actively doing physical therapy (I call it yoga) every morning and that is giving me my flexibility and strength back. In fact today I successfully completed a two mile hike along a river that had numerous steep hills and fitness stops along the way. I was able to do push ups, pull ups, balance walking, leg strengthening and more (not many but a few of each so that’s progress.) I have a ways to go before I’ll be back in top shape, but I’m very pleased with where I am at this stage. Especially because I am no longer in constant pain.
Palo Duro Canyon, Texas – Fun state park for camping, hiking and exploring – February 2024 – This was taken while I was on a beautiful three mile hike. No pain, just sunshine and happiness. Gotta love that!
This journey has taught me a lot about myself and the importance of being brave and having faith; Of persistence and never giving up. I hope you and others will join me on this adventure and find inspiration along the way. If you have a friend that tells you ‘anything is possible, just show up and work to make it happen,’ listen to them because it’s true. Believe in the saying, ‘Manifest that sh…t!’ If you can dream it, you can live it!’
I can tell you from experience, nothing happens on it’s own. A thought will not become reality, but working to make that thought real will. If all your actions keep pushing that direction, you will be able to manifest your hearts greatest desires. I know because I’ve seen it happen.
I have lots of big news coming in the months ahead so I hope you’ll join me and follow along to find motivation and inspiration for your life.