As always, I set goals for the year. Some I hit, some I missed, some were goals from years past that I finally got around to. One of my biggest goals was to go on a solo vacation. I knocked that one out of the park. I spent a week in Southeastern Arizona visiting both sides of Saguaro national park, Chiricahua national monument, Tombstone and the best BnB I have ever stayed in. It was one of the best things I have ever selfishly done for myself.

I did not leave the country but I did manage to visit the Mexican border in both Arizona and Texas. In Big Bend I had one foot in each country!

I traveled 5,061 miles around the country in a vehicle and visited 15 National Parks/Monuments in 2025 and was able to Kayak in one of them. Did not get all the kayaking in that I wanted but did get the rack on my car!

I attended 4 classes at Medicine Bow Wilderness School this year. Stalking, Knife & Tomahawk, Archery and Study of Summer Trees.

I upped my reading goal from 50 to 75 books and have read 95! I have not cleared my TBR, instead I have added way too many to my shelves. I attended 2 book festivals, along with seeing 2 of my favorite authors speak, Mary Roach and Lucy Foley. I collected 10 autographed novels and went on a road trip to Greenville, SC to a book warehouse event and bought even more books.

I did not meal prep at all but I did start healthier eating habits.

The last thing I want to list is that I expanded on my Falconry goal from last year and years past. I attended the Georgia Mountain Falconry Academy. I was fully immersed in all things hawking related and studied harder that I have for anything else in my life. I took my state apprenticeship exam and PASSED! I have secured an incredible sponsor along with joining the Georgia Falconers Association. I have met some great people on this journey and currently building my Mew. Once completed I will have Dept. of Natural Resources come inspect and get my permit and next trapping season I will obtain my first Red Tail Hawk. This will pretty much take over my life for the forseeable future.

Meet my wonderful Sponsor Lisa and her Harris Hawk, Freya. I am in love with this bird!