When I visited the Adler Planetarium in 2016 for its Back to the Future REEL Science Film Series event, I was at a very different place in my life. Had someone given me a glimpse of my future then, I probably would have jumped into this Delorean to edit the past. Unfortunately, we can never quite know what exactly our future holds, though, so how can we prepare for it now?
Read More"Who are you?!" the pesky caterpillar bellows from behind the looking glass as I try to avoid my reflection. Alice certainly had better luck peering in and not being viciously attacked by her own inner demons when they caught sight of her, but maybe the lessons she learned could help me face the evil clown who picks me apart in the mirror. If only the Mad Hatter 'twas brillig!
Read MoreAdidas: All Day I Dream About...Sports? Sex? Sugar? Though the popular brand is not, in fact, an acronym for anything, it has been suggested that dreaming is the first step toward actualization, especially in fairy tales. But what if I'm dreaming about more sleep, and instead of reaching for my dreams while I'm awake, I hit the snooze button? Cinderella certainly would have had a different ending if she were in my shoes.
Read MoreThe Price is Right is part of the morning routine within the Chicola household. Each day, the familiar theme song echoes through the kitchen, while contestants "come on down" to win big prizes via games like Plinko, Cliff Hangers, and Hole in One. While I'm sure the beautiful cars everyone jumps up and down for are spectacular, my Jeep continues to prove its longevity and durability, demonstrating to me that it is the "whole package" despite the naysayers. Would trading in make me a traitor?
Read MoreWhere there's smoke, there's fire. I spied quite a few versions of Smokey as he issued warnings and instructions about extinguishing campfires along my path. Unfortunately, "pour(ing) lots of water" will only make my overheated phone more miserable and angry. "Only you can prevent forest fires," and we accomplish this by recognizing when and why things overheat, right?
Read MoreSome tents and sleeping bags are made for freezing cold, pouring rain, and blustering wind; others (like mine)...not so much. I expected the conditions to be warmer overnight as I traveled further south, but the elevation of each of my stops left me vulnerable to the reality of the frigid weather. When life freezes your lemons, what's the next best move?
Read MoreAfter spending a majority of the trip digging holes to...lay waste...I walked into a pit bathroom at Arches National Park and was reacquainted with my long-time friend: the toilet. Why did it seem so foreign in those first moments? Don't worry, I didn't make the mistakes of Number 2 or 3 (or a combo of both), but returning my life back to the flush may require further training...
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