Administrivia

There’s still a little bit of Africa in my luggage and the shoes I wore for most of that trip are stained red from the Serengeti. I sacrificed two shirts, long sleeved numbers that I’d bought in Cambodia. I’ve switched to sweaters and rain boots here in Seattle, even while I’m looking forward to repacking my summer wardrobe for a trip back to warmer climates in November. And I’ve been writing, a lot, most of it for other publications. Here’s a round up of what I’ve been up to since that long trip back from Zanzibar.

• I’m a regular contributor to Gadling; most recently I wrote a piece about the joys of the Hawaiian plate lunch.
• I published a piece on Lonely Planet. It was really fun to write — it’s a weird little story where not much happens. I loved working with the editor there and I’m penciled in to do a bit more work later this year. It’s all on spec for now, but I feel good about how it went and optimistic about future work.
• I’m in edits with a fancy print magazine. I pretty much can’t wait to tell you about this piece, and yet, I’m going to have to. It’s just one story, but what a thrill to get to write it.
• I’ve signed a contract with a new website, another one I can’t wait to tell you about. I get to do something super excellent for them and while yes, there’s editorial oversight, there’s also a lot of me getting to do my thing, whatever that is. Stand by.
• I’m still writing gear reviews weekly at Practical Travel Gear. I field test everything, I wear it, wash it, get it dirty, drag it around the planet, you know the drill. I have opinions on gear now, that’s for sure.
• I’m wrapping up the details on a trip to the islands. I’ll be attending Keoki Kahumoku’s Hawaiian music camp in Pahala on the Big Island. All uke, all the time, for one week. Then, if it all comes together, J will join me for a few days of R&R on Maui.
• I’m hard at work on Passports with Purpose for 2011. This year we’re funding the literacy program Room to Read with a goal of building a couple of libraries. You want to be a part of this, it’s an amazing thing. We’re in our fourth year and we’re currently wading through the application process to make PwP a non-profit organization.
• I’m writing pitch letters to travel publications. Having that one fancy print piece fall into my lap was nice (thanks, Andrew, you’re the best) but it’s not always going to happen that way. My writing doesn’t suck, I should try to get more of it out there.
• I’m not posting for TravelWild anymore, but actually, this delights me. The reason I’m not posting there is that they’ve taken it over themselves. This was my hope for this project, that I would revive the blog and then, they’d give it the love it deserves in house. My goal was to make myself pretty much obsolete, and that’s what’s happened. It’s good news, really good news.
• I’m looking for tech projects. I have plenty of writing work, as you can see, but it’s not bringing in the kind of bank I need to pay the bills. I’m on the hunt for a part time tech gig, 20 hours a week would suit me just fine. My favorite client is in a contractor hiring freeze, so I’m casting my net a bit wider. Send leads.
• I went to Tahoe, California for one of my best friends’ wedding. I’m not a big fan of weddings, read into that what you will. But I loved being there, even though I was still kind of jet-lagged and just plain worn out from my trip. Congrats, you two, I adore you both.
• The Eugene parental unit paid us a visit and we toured Seattle’s International District. It’s been a while since I’ve spent time poking around that part of the city; I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed it. We took the tour at the Wing Luke Museum; that was great, I recommend it.
• On deck? Trying to coordinate with the brothers on a visit to see my dad in Tucson. An off season trip to British Columbia, perhaps. An overnight at Skamania Lodge down near Hood River, Oregon. And an audition with a ukulele based 80s cover band. Yeah, you read that right.

Life is good. And that picture?  I’m holding a chameleon in Lushoto, Tanzania. Because that’s how I roll. Chameleons? SO CUTE! And so CRABBY! I love that!