But for now.... MORE PHOTOS!
Don't stop breaking down the doors
-Kam
Saturday, August 15, 2015
It's been a while
It's been a while since I last updated. There are some interesting things in the works I assure you! Fingers crossed on some big opportunities coming out of the Outdoor Retailer show this past week.
But for now.... MORE PHOTOS!
But for now.... MORE PHOTOS!
Monday, July 6, 2015
Road Trips
It's been a while. Life seems to be chugging full steam ahead. Summer is in full swing. Utah is hot as ever, and my travel bug is setting in more and more. Went out on a whim, and turned a Yellowstone weekend road trip into a Glacier National Park trip. Spur of the moment, seemingly juvenile decisions like that always seem to pay off. Glacier did not disappoint.
Don't Stop Breaking Down the Doors
-Kam
Monday, May 25, 2015
Durango
Southern Colorado has a funny way of bringing out the best in me. Maybe I think a little clearer at higher altitudes. Who knows. I definitely left feeling inspired and ready to chase some dreams I have had for a long time. Always an adventure with Courtney by my side :) Love that girl.
Don't Stop Breaking Down the Doors
-Kam
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Set Fire
So, as promised for quite some time now, here is my longer blog post.
The past three months have been some incredibly trying strange times for me. Countless life events have happened within the past 9 months. It's funny how you try so hard to finish school and it seems like you are playing a game of hurry up and wait. Now that I am done with school, and have landed "the first real job" I find myself questioning grad school, future jobs and my situation now.
To put things into perspective-
In the past nine months I have finished my undergraduate degree, watched helplessly as my father walked out on my mom while I was on my roadtrip with Courtney. (That was an awkward/interesting dynamic to find yourself in once you get home). Three weeks before my sister was packing her bags for California, my mom was getting ready to fly out and see here on her first few days in her new town, my dad was on a sailing trip in Canada, and we all met up at the same time in Crescent City, Court and I were one week into the roadtrip, Sue was there to see Katie off, and my Rob stopped in to see us on his way home from Canada. It's a little odd reflecting back on our breakfast in the harbor.... likely the last time we will all sit around and eat until a wedding, or some other awkward family function. I am still trying to figure out my relationship with my dad. Unfortunately it feels more and more awkward as time passes, and we see less and less of each other. As for my mom, we bash heads a lot... growing pains mostly. Living at home when you are 23 and pushing for independence isn't always easy. It took me months before I felt OK not sleeping at home. Suddenly I was the "Man" of the house. I felt, and still feel like my mothers safety and loneliness depends on whether I stick around. As someone who is very independent it gets really hard at times.
I had to hold my favorite dog as the vet put her down. She had a brain tumor that was pushing her eye out of its socket and she began to stop eating (She was a porker, eating was her #1 thing). Making the decision to put her down based on her quality of life and pain level was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. Being there through her last moments because my mom insisted she go out in familiar hands was one of the hardest things I have ever done. The decision still haunts me to this day. I can't help but wonder if it was the right decision. The vet wanted to double her pain medication to string her along for another month or so, it didn't seem right. Drugging her to no end just to relieve the pain didn't seem right. Katie had just headed back to California after Thanksgiving. It's wild to think that my sister came home for a few short days and ended up getting to say goodbye to Lucy the morning of her death.
To make matters more interesting, my grandpa passed away in January (mothers father), shortly after Christmas. There were nights I would lay awake hoping that my mom could make it through this year. Getting sick for 4 months and losing lots of weight on top of everything made this one of the most trying times of my life.
I have since started my new job and I am 2 months into it. A steady paycheck is really nice. Financial security is something that I honestly stress about a lot. I am growing to like my position slowly. I am still not quite sure how I feel about being the go to eCommerce guy. I think I'd rather express my talent and creativity in other roles, but hey, it's my first job and you kind of roll with the punches and take what you can get.
The other day I went to the gym for the first time in over 3 months. Those who know me even a little, know that it is not like me to be sedentary. This past year has taken an incredible toll on me. I think I am finally starting my journey to fitness, good health, and relaxation. I developed a lot of anxiety over the past year, it is something I am getting a lot better at managing. I am happy to say that I am feeling much better now, and I am really felling positive and optimistic about the upcoming year.
Courtney and I recently booked tickets back to the Caribbean! I can't wait to see my "family" in the islands again. It will be such a relief to see them again and swim in the warm blue ocean. I can't wait to show Courtney the Caribbean like it is meant to be seen.
Opportunity-
I recently reached out to the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. I wrote them a very straightforward e-mail that pretty much said, "I want to make a difference, I have certain skills that could potentially make a positive impact. I want to leave a legacy behind. I am young, but I have big dreams and I want environmental activism to play a large part in my legacy."
Apparently the e-mail worked. I had a meeting over lunch with their grassroots organizer. After talking with him for a while, he realized who I was, what I am about, and where I want to take my future. He sees a lot of value in my photos and age. It is still in its infancy, but I could be spending a lot of my weekends on the road directing/filming a short documentary to try and ignite a social revolution in millennials to try and stand up against oil exploration in some of Utah's most coveted wild lands. It would be an incredibly powerful piece to be a part of. I would likely get to interview American Indians, minorities, elderly, people from all walks of life who are opposed to oil exploration in Utah.
I think that this could be an incredibly powerful campaign to be a part of. The fact that SUWA is considering me as someone who could make a difference is incredibly humbling. I am excited to see what this opportunity could turn in to. I need to write a one page letter to the head of SUWA, and based on what he says, it will likely determine how I contribute to the cause and in what capacity.
I am excited to finally set fire to some of my passions. I am ready to use my talents for a purpose larger than my own enjoyment. Few people have a background like mine and the resources that I have readily acquired over the years. I feel empowered, I feel invigorated, I feel inspired, but most importantly I feel responsible for the future of Utah and the West. Hopefully I can set fire to that same passion in others.
The past three months have been some incredibly trying strange times for me. Countless life events have happened within the past 9 months. It's funny how you try so hard to finish school and it seems like you are playing a game of hurry up and wait. Now that I am done with school, and have landed "the first real job" I find myself questioning grad school, future jobs and my situation now.
To put things into perspective-
In the past nine months I have finished my undergraduate degree, watched helplessly as my father walked out on my mom while I was on my roadtrip with Courtney. (That was an awkward/interesting dynamic to find yourself in once you get home). Three weeks before my sister was packing her bags for California, my mom was getting ready to fly out and see here on her first few days in her new town, my dad was on a sailing trip in Canada, and we all met up at the same time in Crescent City, Court and I were one week into the roadtrip, Sue was there to see Katie off, and my Rob stopped in to see us on his way home from Canada. It's a little odd reflecting back on our breakfast in the harbor.... likely the last time we will all sit around and eat until a wedding, or some other awkward family function. I am still trying to figure out my relationship with my dad. Unfortunately it feels more and more awkward as time passes, and we see less and less of each other. As for my mom, we bash heads a lot... growing pains mostly. Living at home when you are 23 and pushing for independence isn't always easy. It took me months before I felt OK not sleeping at home. Suddenly I was the "Man" of the house. I felt, and still feel like my mothers safety and loneliness depends on whether I stick around. As someone who is very independent it gets really hard at times.
I had to hold my favorite dog as the vet put her down. She had a brain tumor that was pushing her eye out of its socket and she began to stop eating (She was a porker, eating was her #1 thing). Making the decision to put her down based on her quality of life and pain level was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. Being there through her last moments because my mom insisted she go out in familiar hands was one of the hardest things I have ever done. The decision still haunts me to this day. I can't help but wonder if it was the right decision. The vet wanted to double her pain medication to string her along for another month or so, it didn't seem right. Drugging her to no end just to relieve the pain didn't seem right. Katie had just headed back to California after Thanksgiving. It's wild to think that my sister came home for a few short days and ended up getting to say goodbye to Lucy the morning of her death.
To make matters more interesting, my grandpa passed away in January (mothers father), shortly after Christmas. There were nights I would lay awake hoping that my mom could make it through this year. Getting sick for 4 months and losing lots of weight on top of everything made this one of the most trying times of my life.
I have since started my new job and I am 2 months into it. A steady paycheck is really nice. Financial security is something that I honestly stress about a lot. I am growing to like my position slowly. I am still not quite sure how I feel about being the go to eCommerce guy. I think I'd rather express my talent and creativity in other roles, but hey, it's my first job and you kind of roll with the punches and take what you can get.
The other day I went to the gym for the first time in over 3 months. Those who know me even a little, know that it is not like me to be sedentary. This past year has taken an incredible toll on me. I think I am finally starting my journey to fitness, good health, and relaxation. I developed a lot of anxiety over the past year, it is something I am getting a lot better at managing. I am happy to say that I am feeling much better now, and I am really felling positive and optimistic about the upcoming year.
Courtney and I recently booked tickets back to the Caribbean! I can't wait to see my "family" in the islands again. It will be such a relief to see them again and swim in the warm blue ocean. I can't wait to show Courtney the Caribbean like it is meant to be seen.
Opportunity-
I recently reached out to the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. I wrote them a very straightforward e-mail that pretty much said, "I want to make a difference, I have certain skills that could potentially make a positive impact. I want to leave a legacy behind. I am young, but I have big dreams and I want environmental activism to play a large part in my legacy."
Apparently the e-mail worked. I had a meeting over lunch with their grassroots organizer. After talking with him for a while, he realized who I was, what I am about, and where I want to take my future. He sees a lot of value in my photos and age. It is still in its infancy, but I could be spending a lot of my weekends on the road directing/filming a short documentary to try and ignite a social revolution in millennials to try and stand up against oil exploration in some of Utah's most coveted wild lands. It would be an incredibly powerful piece to be a part of. I would likely get to interview American Indians, minorities, elderly, people from all walks of life who are opposed to oil exploration in Utah.
I think that this could be an incredibly powerful campaign to be a part of. The fact that SUWA is considering me as someone who could make a difference is incredibly humbling. I am excited to see what this opportunity could turn in to. I need to write a one page letter to the head of SUWA, and based on what he says, it will likely determine how I contribute to the cause and in what capacity.
I am excited to finally set fire to some of my passions. I am ready to use my talents for a purpose larger than my own enjoyment. Few people have a background like mine and the resources that I have readily acquired over the years. I feel empowered, I feel invigorated, I feel inspired, but most importantly I feel responsible for the future of Utah and the West. Hopefully I can set fire to that same passion in others.
Don't Stop Breaking Down the Doors
Kam
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Southern Utah
Well, consider my ticket punched! Courtney and I booked our flights to St. Thomas this September. I cannot wait to show her around the islands. I also can't wait to see my second family again for the first time since leaving the islands. I really consider all of my co-workers down there my family. I love them and have shared some incredible experiences with them both good and bad. I cannot wait to see them again.
!I have no idea why all of my photos were deleted, but I assure you that I will continue to post them!
I worked 13 days straight over the past two weeks, so naturally it was time for Courtney and I to hop back in the Subaru and head out on another road trip. Destination: Southern Utah. Here are some photos of our adventure. Utah is truly one of a kind.
!I have no idea why all of my photos were deleted, but I assure you that I will continue to post them!
I worked 13 days straight over the past two weeks, so naturally it was time for Courtney and I to hop back in the Subaru and head out on another road trip. Destination: Southern Utah. Here are some photos of our adventure. Utah is truly one of a kind.
Big things to come!
Don't Stop Breaking Down the Doors
Kam
Monday, March 9, 2015
Stay awesome
Just a short blog today. Whoever you are, wherever you are, whatever you are doing. Go out and kick some ass. Stay positive, tenacious, express gratitude regularly, be sincere. Keep being you, because honestly there is someone out there who loves you for exactly who you are. Keep rockin' it. Stay stoked.
 | ||
| I am kind of happy with how this turned out.... kind of. |
As always, Don't Stop Breaking Down the Doors
Kam
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Crazy
Well, things are starting to get pretty crazy again....
One of my best friends contacted me over a Facebook post he saw from Chris Burkard (One of the best photographers in the world) asking for help during a upcoming photo shoot in Moab. I instantly sent them a message, and wouldn't you know it.... The next day I am contacted by his assistant asking if they can use my bikes/knowledge of the are this weekend on a photo shoot in Moab. Of course I said yes. As an amateur photographer, it would be a pretty incredible experience to be able to shoot photos/help/(maybe even be an extra model.... hahaha) for who I would consider to be the best photographer in the world right now.
I am pretty pumped about the whole situation. I will definitely be bringing along my camera to try and capture some of the magic and hopefully pick up on a few pro-tips of the trade. I can't wait.
Work at Barebones is really starting to pick up and I am finally finding my groove. It is nice to keep super busy at work and feel like I am learning a lot along the way. I think I am beginning to impress my co-workers with some skills that I picked up along the way in college. Life is awesome, I couldn't be happier with how things are going. Nothing is perfect, it will never be, but for now things are really feeling pretty great. I have the most amazing girlfriend in the world, someone I can share my thoughts with. Someone I genuinely miss like crazy whenever I am away, or when she is.
I went camping in Moab this past weekend with all of the dudes at Barebones. We went down to Moab to get some more marketing photos of our products. It was a lot of hard work. Hardly any play, and it snowed on us twice. The whole time I was left wishing that my girlfriend was there. I can genuinely say that camping just doesn't feel the same without her. The experiences we had while on our road trip are something I will never forget. We know how to camp with each other, and we both know how to truly enjoy each others company. I am glad I have finally found someone I can go experience life with, who is interested in similar things, yet brings a whole new outlook to the experiences. Here are some of my most recent photos. Not going to lie, after seeing some of the professional photographers photos (who we hired for the shoot), I am feeling a lot more confident that I am capable of some decent shots. I really think photography could be my thing.
As always.
One of my best friends contacted me over a Facebook post he saw from Chris Burkard (One of the best photographers in the world) asking for help during a upcoming photo shoot in Moab. I instantly sent them a message, and wouldn't you know it.... The next day I am contacted by his assistant asking if they can use my bikes/knowledge of the are this weekend on a photo shoot in Moab. Of course I said yes. As an amateur photographer, it would be a pretty incredible experience to be able to shoot photos/help/(maybe even be an extra model.... hahaha) for who I would consider to be the best photographer in the world right now.
I am pretty pumped about the whole situation. I will definitely be bringing along my camera to try and capture some of the magic and hopefully pick up on a few pro-tips of the trade. I can't wait.
Work at Barebones is really starting to pick up and I am finally finding my groove. It is nice to keep super busy at work and feel like I am learning a lot along the way. I think I am beginning to impress my co-workers with some skills that I picked up along the way in college. Life is awesome, I couldn't be happier with how things are going. Nothing is perfect, it will never be, but for now things are really feeling pretty great. I have the most amazing girlfriend in the world, someone I can share my thoughts with. Someone I genuinely miss like crazy whenever I am away, or when she is.
I went camping in Moab this past weekend with all of the dudes at Barebones. We went down to Moab to get some more marketing photos of our products. It was a lot of hard work. Hardly any play, and it snowed on us twice. The whole time I was left wishing that my girlfriend was there. I can genuinely say that camping just doesn't feel the same without her. The experiences we had while on our road trip are something I will never forget. We know how to camp with each other, and we both know how to truly enjoy each others company. I am glad I have finally found someone I can go experience life with, who is interested in similar things, yet brings a whole new outlook to the experiences. Here are some of my most recent photos. Not going to lie, after seeing some of the professional photographers photos (who we hired for the shoot), I am feeling a lot more confident that I am capable of some decent shots. I really think photography could be my thing.
As always.
Don't Stop Breaking Down the Doors
Kam
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Forward
Well, after a few months of searching, being turned down by numerous companies. I finally found a job. I couldn't be happier. To be honest, I graduated in Communications and specialized in PR and Marketing, but I think my heart was always set on marketing (not because there is more money in it). As many of you know I taught lessons at Solitude for a number of years, I got a seasons pass up there again this season to make sure that I could ski and hang out with my old employees. I bumped into a friend I met while working up there. He mentioned that the company he was working for would be looking for some marketing positions in the near future. I didn't really put much thought into it at first, but later decided that it couldn't hurt to give him a call..... A little over a month later I just got hired as their Marketing Coordinator! During that month I was offered another management opportunity with Del Sol, only this time they sweetened the deal by offering me and Jake Hawaii after managing 3 months in Alaska. The money was great, the locations were even better, but the outlook for my career path would have likely been slowed a year or more.
My end goal is to be working somewhere in the humanitarian/environmental protection sector. I may be stargazing, but I really do want to change the world. I want to leave this rock better than I found it. It won't happen over night, nor will it happen without a lot of struggles and screw-ups. I am determined to help people get an education who would likely not receive one without a helping hand. I am determined to make a difference. I honestly think that by accepting the job at Barebones I am increasing my chances of reaching my end goal. They are a great company founded by someone who's goals align with mine. I am very hopeful that I can continue to grow and learn as a person, co-worker, friend, humanitarian, facilitator and many more.
It feels really good to find a job that aligns with my personal beliefs.
Next up.... Finish planning a two week trip to Iceland and Norway this Fall with my co-pilot, Courtney. Totally stoked.
Don't Stop Breaking Down the Doors
My end goal is to be working somewhere in the humanitarian/environmental protection sector. I may be stargazing, but I really do want to change the world. I want to leave this rock better than I found it. It won't happen over night, nor will it happen without a lot of struggles and screw-ups. I am determined to help people get an education who would likely not receive one without a helping hand. I am determined to make a difference. I honestly think that by accepting the job at Barebones I am increasing my chances of reaching my end goal. They are a great company founded by someone who's goals align with mine. I am very hopeful that I can continue to grow and learn as a person, co-worker, friend, humanitarian, facilitator and many more.
It feels really good to find a job that aligns with my personal beliefs.
Next up.... Finish planning a two week trip to Iceland and Norway this Fall with my co-pilot, Courtney. Totally stoked.
Don't Stop Breaking Down the Doors
Kam
Friday, January 23, 2015
Pieces Fall
It feels good to finally feel like some of the pieces of my life are falling together. It can get hard to trust that things will turn out how you see them in your head before hand. All I can say is that, if you truly believe in yourself and don't sell yourself short, anything is possible. I am glad that I have waited to find a "career" job instead of throwing in the towel after being turned down a few times. At the end of it all, I think the position I will accept is the best offer and best first step into my career path. It really feels good. There are some big plans coming in the next few weeks! Check back in and I will update when I have time.
 | ||
| Really missing the open road/road trip recently. |
As always,
Don't Stop Breaking Down the Doors
-Kam
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)