Announcements, Announcements, Annowwwwwncements

In this season of change I'm living through, I decided it was time I got around to doing a few things on my, "Life List". The biggest thing on that list, and the one that would cause the most radical change to what my current situation looks like, is my dream of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Well folks, I'm doing it.

With a drop-dead-date of St. Patrick's Day next year, 03/17/2012, I'll be hiking the AT. It's easy to say that and another thing altogether to make it happen. Here's a few of the major things that are slated to happen/change in anticipation of this adventure...

• Selling the house
• Selling/Gifting most of my possessions
• Saving a bunch of money
• Quitting my job
• Losing at least 50 more pounds

Most of those things "must" happen before the dream can be realized, but there's a bit of wiggle room built into every item. Wiggle room or not, this is huge deal and I'm really excited. This past year hasn't been my finest hour, and while this isn't an attempt to compensate for that, it is something that will move me into the next stage of my life. I've wanted this for a long time, and now seems like the best time to pursue it.

My family and friends have had a lot of questions (and probably have many more), but for the most part have been supportive. I don't need their support but it's nice to have it versus opposition.

I'm in the process of setting up my own website so that people can follow me on the AT using trail journals, as well as still be able to follow ELEVEN. I think I'll include a link to buy my book and a few other fun things as well. I see the website being a one-stop-shop for all things Sam. When I get it up I'll let you know. Outside of that, let the questions begin. What do you want to know about this announcement? Questions... Concerns... whatever... I'll answer anything you ask.