Friday, July 08, 2016

Yosemite Chronicles: A 5 Year Dream Come True

I was sorting through some old files when I found a goal list I had done in a training course almost four years ago. We were asked to write down goals for the next 1 year, 5 years, and 20 years. My 1 year goal was to train a dog to run with me. Done!


My 5 year goal was to spend a summer in Yosemite and write a book. That happened to be the very reason I was sorting through the files. I was throwing away old paperwork as I prepared to quit my job and make that 5 year goal a reality. My last day was June 30th.

The hairbrained idea predates that goal setting session. I was still sitting in an office in Cincinnati when I decided I needed another summer in Yosemite. Yes, “another.” I lived in and worked in Yosemite for the summer of 1996. I stayed in a tent cabin in Tuolomne Meadows and hiked miles each day to our research plots for three biological studies. When I drove back to the Sierra Nevada in 1998 for another summer job, I pulled over at the first Jeffrey Pine, wrapped my arms around it, inhaled the scent of its sun-warmed bark, and thought, “I’m home.” I sniffed trees all summer long in the forests around the park. Yosemite is my favorite place in the world.


Back in Cincinnati, I estimated the costs of a three-month sabbatical in Yosemite and started saving. My savings were repeatedly thwarted by spur of the moment trips and Forever 21 binges. I was starting to feel very frustrated when my Great Grandmother died and left me the exact amount I had budgeted for the trip.

But I couldn’t seem to get the time off approved. Despite a policy that allows employees 3-month, unpaid, leaves of absence, the timing was never right. I had originally planned to do my Yosemite summer before I turned forty, but forty had come. After being denied my sabbatical, again, this year, I made the decision to leave my job to make my dream come true.


I have the means, the time, the support, and the will to achieve my 5 year goal of living in Yosemite for the summer and writing a book. I'm so excited for this adventure!

Are you curious about my 20 year goal? It is to live in another country for a year. I bet I can make that one happen, too.

Follow along on Instagram @kasmirakit #yosemitechronicles

16 comments:

Unknown said...

What an adventure! I hope your husband is joining you. You inspire me to make goal lists. Thank you!

Sheila said...

That is an awesome goal - wow, I'm in awe that you're actually making this happen! Are all the kitties and dogs and Beefy going with you?

Lee said...

I will happily follow along on this wonderful adventure. Congratulations on making the dream a reality!

Anonymous said...

You go girl!

sp said...

Wow, that is so amazing. I admire your courage and determination to create the life you want. You continue to inspire me. Curious, what country do you want to live in for a year? I spent a month in South Africa and it truly was life changing. Maybe I will get to go there again! Be safe, looking forward to hearing about your book!

Anonymous said...

Yay! This post makes me so happy for you!

Enjoy,
Colorado Mermaid

Anonymous said...

Good for you and congratulations--this is inspiring!

Lorena said...

Admirable K!
Not everyone is willing to quit their job to accomplish a dream - I am so happy for you :)
Hugs.

3PC said...

Good luck on your wonderful adventure!

Beefy Muchacho said...

Hi Sheila! As much as I'd like to join (except for the camping and hiking part...gross), I'm staying home with all of the fur-boys. :)

Kasmira said...

He will meet up with me for a few weekends. He didn't quit his job.

Kasmira said...

It's a solo trip. But I'll see Beefy a few times. And Beefy's mom!

Kasmira said...

It was Switzerland when I made the list. Not sure what I want now...

Anonymous said...

Kasmira, you have been such an inspiration to me and I wish you the best! Your blog has always been formative for me (as I'm probably younger than the average visitor - I started following your blog ten years ago when I was nineteen). Watching you plan, strive and take risks has helped me muster my own courage multiple times in my young adult life. I look forward to seeing what you have next in store!

Unknown said...

This is exceptionally inspiring, especially the solo part. It's good to have others confirm solo adventures are healthy and possible while long-term partnerships remain. Thank you for sharing and enjoy yourself.

Anonymous said...

I am sure you can make any of your goals come true, as you are an incredible, smart, strong, brave and wonderful woman!