About Me

Siyeh Bend Trailhead @ Glacier National Park,
August 2010

Hi! I'm Jess, a 20-something trying to finish her Masters Degree in Surficial Processes Geology. It really isn't as fancy as it sounds and, no, I probably can't tell you what that rock is (unless you're satisfied with igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic, or some other snarky smart-aleck answer). I'm a geologist/ environmental scientist, not a petrologist. I've lived in NW Ohio my entire life (proud Buckeye!) and I'm itching to get out! My studies and a class field trip "out west" in August of 2010 have wetted my appetite and sharpened my interest in "the west" and our amazing National Parks system. Our Earth (and our United States) truly is a beautiful place and I want to explore it!

I started walking/ running as a way to escape the stress of dealing with school and my family life (I lost all 4 grandparents and my great-grandmother while I was in college and I didn't always know how to process my emotions over it, which lead to some rocky moments with my parents and friends). Amazingly, I have fallen in love with it. I'm also the first to admit that running gives me self-confidence I haven't had in a long time and has truly helped lessen my seasonal depression. I LOVE pushing my body to its limits and finding out what I'm capable of. Back in high school, I was a rower and I considered running a (painful) punishment. Now I don't know if I could go without it for long without losing my sanity ...

... hence the name of my little blog. I am always searching for a way of life that makes me happy (and sane). I don't know if I'll ever find it, or how I'll get there, or when, but I'm sure going to enjoy the journey!