Starting Our Journey
Hey everyone! We’re Genelle and Mike, a couple who has embarked on a journey of love, companionship, and adventure. We would like to take a moment to introduce you to the newest member of our family: our adorable little dog, Kaiya. We must admit, we never thought we would be the type to refer to our pet as our "fur child," but here we are, enamored by her charm and considering her an undeniable part of our family.
Mike and I have known each other since 2013, and in these past 6 years, our relationship has blossomed into something truly extraordinary. Our story didn't begin with love at first sight; in fact, it started quite the opposite.
Over time, we laughed, shared moments, and discovered that amidst our differences, we complemented one another in ways we couldn't have anticipated. Our journey wasn't without challenges, but they only solidified our bond, reaffirming our commitment to one another.
As a couple, we share a passion for exploration and a hunger for new experiences. It is our aspiration to travel the world hand-in-hand, immersing ourselves in the richness of different cultures, embarking on daring adventures, and collecting precious memories along the way. We believe that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and we are determined to make the most of every opportunity that comes our way.
However, our adventures wouldn't be complete without the presence of our beloved Kaiya. This little fur ball has brought immeasurable joy, laughter, and warmth into our lives. She has reminded us of the simple pleasures in life, such as a wagging tail eagerly greeting us at the door or moments of pure bliss as we cuddle on the couch. With her by our side, every journey becomes even more special.
We are grateful for the twists and turns that brought us together, for they have led us to this moment of recognition and appreciation. As we navigate this beautiful life together, we look forward to embracing new paths, overcoming challenges, and cherishing the moments that make it all worthwhile. Stay tuned for the incredible stories we have yet to tell!
What’s Important to Us
Over the past four years, our lives have been painted with the vibrant colors of change and adventure. Our most recent move brought us to the comfort of a suburban town nestled in the heart of Arizona, where our family home stands as a testament to the life we have built together. Though our current existence is undeniably wonderful, we have found ourselves undergoing a metamorphosis of desires and aspirations. As we reflect upon our journey, one thing is clear: conformity does not define us. Our spirits roam freely, yearning for experiences that transcend the boundaries of materialism.
From the onset, it was evident that the conventional path was not for us. Our wedding, a simple affair at the courthouse, bypassed the need for extravagance. We don’t currently have a desire to expand our clan, as we cherish the bond shared between the three of us. The world becomes our classroom, as we learn from the diverse stories that shape its tapestry. In our truest essence, we are nomads, wanderers navigating the intricate web of human existence. We celebrate the diversity that encompasses our planet, embracing the richness of cultures that exist beyond our own upbringing.
Why Are We Like This?
There's a common saying that our past shapes our choices, and it holds true for the paths we each embark on in life. Mike and I, despite our starkly different backgrounds, have found solace in our shared ideals. I was raised by hardworking parents, both of whom ran their own small businesses. Amidst the daily demands of their entrepreneurial pursuits, we were fortunate enough to reserve one day a week for valuable family time. Those moments meant the world to me.
Throughout my teenage years and early twenties, my life revolved around assisting my ailing grandparents, supporting my family's endeavors, pursuing my education, and dedicating myself to work. As the years flew by, with 8 years of health education and a decade of service at the family business under my belt, I suddenly found myself at a standstill for the first time. It was a rare moment of respite, allowing me to deeply ponder the direction I wanted my life to take.
Unlike the natural inclination to settle down, forge a career in healthcare, or establish my own clinic, I found myself drawn to an entirely different kind of life. It was an undeniable pull – a whispering voice urging me to embrace the unknown. It was as though my accumulated experiences had awakened a dormant curiosity within me. The desire to explore uncharted territories enveloped my thoughts, compelling me to seek a new adventure. I stepped forward into the unknown, ready to embrace the journey that lay ahead.
Mike's upbringing in a military family led to a nomadic childhood and teenage years filled with constant relocation. As he transitioned into adulthood, he faced numerous difficulties in his 20s and early 30s, compounded by the fact that he had worked more jobs than anyone I had ever known. It was evident to me that Mike was a true survivor in life, persevering through the challenges that fate threw his way. In fact, his resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity seemed to give him an almost mythical quality, like a cat blessed with twenty lives. At the young age of fifteen, doctors dealt Mike a blow when they diagnosed him with chronic pancreatitis. They deduced that an allergic reaction to an anti-biotic had triggered this debilitating condition. Unfortunately, this illness cast a dark shadow over his life, forcing him to endure frequent hospitalizations. The sheer magnitude of the times he had hovered on the edge of death was incomprehensible, a thought that I can’t dwell upon. The last episode he faced occurred in 2015, and at that moment, I truly believed he wouldn't make it. Yet, in a glorious display of inner strength and determination, he somehow found the resilience to press on at the eleventh hour. It was during this period, when he bravely returned to work despite resembling a walking zombie, that our paths converged. Even though we weren't romantically involved at the time, I couldn't stand idly by while someone I genuinely cared about suffered. Thus, I took it upon myself to prepare green juice and vitamin packets for him every single day. Though it started as a simple act of friendship, it soon became apparent that something profound had shifted within me.
This experience forced me to confront the fragile nature of our existence and the incalculable value of time and loved ones. It stripped away the illusion of trivial pursuits, revealing the true essence of life. Mike became my guiding light, exemplifying what resilience truly looked like in the face of overwhelming adversity. Our shared experiences illuminated the significance of every precious moment and the uncertainty that lies beyond our control. The recent pandemic has only served to reinforce this newfound perspective, reaching deep into the hearts of many.
In hindsight, it became abundantly clear that cherishing the time we have together was paramount. This realization birthed a deep-seated desire within both of us to travel and pursue our passions wholeheartedly.
Getting Started Vlogging
In February 2021, filled with excitement and inexperience, we embarked on our first vlogging adventure. Our destination? A road trip from Arizona to Colorado. Although we had no clue what we were doing, the decision to dive headfirst into the world of vlogging turned out to be an enriching one. Our initial vlogs documented our journey, capturing the raw and unpolished moments that unfolded along the way. Looking back on those videos, we can't help but cringe at our lack of expertise. However, one thing that we can be proud of is the fact that we took that leap of faith and began this incredible journey.
Fast forward to September 2021. We felt an overwhelming desire to try again and improve upon our vlogging skills. Armed with determination and a slightly better understanding of what it takes to create engaging content, we embarked on a series of vlogs. While they were undoubtedly an improvement compared to our first attempts, we still had a long way to go before achieving the level of quality we aspired to. But we didn't let that deter us. We recognized that waiting for the perfect equipment or mastering every aspect of vlogging would only delay our progress. We made the most of the resources we had at our disposal, relying on the humble Samsung S10 to film our early videos.
And now, dear reader, we invite you to join us on our ongoing journey. Together, let's explore new destinations, learn from our mistakes, and witness our growth firsthand. As we continue to refine our craft, we promise to bring you authentic and captivating content that reflects our unwavering commitment to improvement.
Exciting adventures await, and we hope you stick around to be a part of our vlogging story. Let us embark on this journey together, discovering the beauty of the world one vlog at a time.
-Genelle
