About
My name is Sally.
I’m a writer, teacher, performer, photographer, traveler, eater of many things (not just cookies… I swear!) and wearer of many hats (not just pink mini-top hats with feathers).
I’m also a big huge scaredy cat.
In 2007, I left my life in Buffalo, New York, and my cat and my closet full of shoes to pursue a full-time university teaching job in Japan. Three years after that, I left that job (and countless more shoes) and have been traveling through Asia ever since — one odd job at a time. I’ve been a cat-sitter in rural Northern Thailand. I’ve weeded rice paddies and helped build a sailboat in Malaysia. I worked for a very brief stint at a hostel in Laos (very brief… like one-night brief). I was a volunteer English teacher (and karaoke rock star!) in Chiang Mai, Thailand.I’m currently teaching English at a university in China (you know, one of those jobs that actually pays you in money rather than just warm fuzzies… and bacterial infections) until the end of June 2012.
After that?
Who knows!
When people hear what I’ve been doing, they often say I’m brave.I’m not.
I’m scared of everything; including, snakes, spiders, heights, high heels, motorbikes, monster trucks, large crowds, loud noises, open water, bonfires, firecrackers, contact lenses and ceiling fans. I will never willingly jump out of an airplane. I don’t ride my bicycle without a helmet. I only cross the street at the crosswalks (and god forbid I end up in a country without crosswalks — then I just won’t cross the street… like ever). On most days, I wake up convinced that this is the day I’m going to die — either via amoebic dysentery or monkey attack.
So, yeah, I’m not brave.
But I am incredibly lucky. This helps. Plus, I have a supportive family and encouraging friends, a digestive tract made of steel and a ridiculous amount of faith in perfect strangers.Sure, I’d like to be one of those brave people who can sky dive and scuba dive. Heck, I would love it if I could stay in a hotel room with a ceiling fan and not get the heebie jeebies.
But, I’m not one of those people… and that’s okay.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this past year of traveling, it’s that bravery is kind of like a closet full of cute shoes — nice but not necessarily required.
It’s been a while since I’ve read your About page and I relearned a few things
Heather — Thanks for rereading my About page. And glad to see you can comment without a fuss on my new blog (Sorry about all the hassle on my old one!). I should probably really update this About page as I think a few things have changed. Just one more fun thing to put on my new blog to-do list!
And it’s been updated! All that stuff about staying “rent-free” taken out (because, unfortunately, I’ve paid a lot more rent than I ever planned on… ahh, but it’s so nice to have my own place for now!) and that stuff about keeping my trip to a year (because at the rate I’m doing things, it might take me FOREVER!).
love your wit and ability to laugh at yourself! I am the same way, and by same way i mean i also have a cookie and shoe problem, so its nice to see it can be done and i’m not crazy for taking this on!
Aww, thanks, Jenni! I wouldn’t say this whole thing isn’t crazy — I’m just hoping it’s the “good crazy” everyone’s always talking about and not the “bad crazy”… you know? Got your email message, too. Will email you back shortly! Always happy to share my wisdom (even if by “wisdom” I mean “blather about cookies and shoes”).
Is this now like a self-hosted, “grown up” website now?? Well damn. I am going to have to come read it even more often now.
Why, yes, yes, it is. And it’s about time you stopped by to read it! It’s only been up for DAYS now. (And, by the way, my last site was also self-hosted, it just wasn’t self-hosted via WordPress).
Hi Sally, just came across your blog. I’m glad I did. It’s always exciting to have stumbled across new entertaining blog just when you thought this was going to be another boring work day :p
Yay! I love reading people’s blogs at work. It’s not nearly so much fun now that I’m unemployed and can’t steal time from The Man to get my reading fix in! Thanks for stopping by & glad you enjoyed my blog!
Hey, you should definitely come to New Zealand in that case. Here you can be afraid of bungy jumps, zorbing, jet boats, hobbits, zip lines, rips, and hypothermia…just to name a few. It’s great. I mainly just sit in my house rocking in the fetal position and eating chocolate.
Actually sitting in a house, eating chocolate is my idea of a dream vacation! I’ll be on my way there!
Nice to meet you. I’ll be back again!
Omg! I can’t believe I just stumbled upon your blog now. You are even funnier than my sole sister described. Hope to run into you in Chiang Mai or whereever you’re hopping at next.
Hi Lois,
Glad you enjoyed my blog! Yes, it would be great to run into you during my travels! Let me know if you’re coming to Chiang Mai anytime soon!
Hey I’m in CM too! Found your site through BKK Reality SD.
It’s funny that you mentioned the BRAVE thing. My friend J and I used to laugh all the time over that. Friends back home used the word Brave and we though Why brave? We don’t feel brave! We are just doing what we want – so I guess we are kind of brave.
Here’s to the adventure ~
Hi Lani,
Thanks for stopping by. I just checked out your blog, too — very interesting & such a good read. And I love the name!
OMG! I just read your about page and where i come from, you’re very very brave, if for nothing but leaving a paid job and being on the road, this is one big step into brave world methinks. This is sthg i always dream of but until today never had the guts to do it.
Hope to see you in Chiang Mail in February
Hi Anne Marie,
You’re coming to CM in February? I’m just missing you! I going back to the States in mid-January for a month before moving to China. Doh! Too bad!
Oh man, we’re twins!
But it’s true what they’re saying about you: you ARE an inspiration. You’re scared of everything, yet you’re out there participating anyway. You’re not locked up in a windowless apartment, kept company by 200 meowing cats rubbing themselves up against the many bottles of your own urine that line each wall. Kudos to you for resisting the cat / bottled urine lifestyle.
Hey, that windowless apartment-cat-bottles of urine scenario sounds a lot like my retirement plan! Except there will be more cookies.
Guess what? i had to eventually exclude Chiang Mai from my itinerary … i got a maximum of 20 days signed for my vacation and one destination had to go
Good luck in China, hope to meet up some other time
20 days? Sheez! You need to get yourself unemployed — I have unlimited vacation time! Wheeee! (But, uh, seriously limited funds. Bummer).
Sooo I’ve been reading your blog for over an hour now and when I finally get around to the about page I realize why I like you so much: we share the cold hard blood of Upstate New Yorkers. What up Albany, NY!
Wahoo! Rock on Upstate New Yorkers! (Although, Buffalo is technically Western New York… as a Buffalonian I’m obliged to point that out every time we are mistakenly lumped in with Upstate. But, whatevs, same diff, right?)
Whoops. Well at least I’m not one of those people who thinks all New Yorkers live in Manhattan….. right? Ha. I love those people.
Came across your blog via Huffington Post. Wow, it rocks. And I especially like the super-heroine avatar
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Thank you! Glad you’re enjoying my blog. My avatar is even cooler in full-length form as she has go-go boots & a pink suitcase. I need to redesign my website so everyone can see her in her full glory!
Yes, you definitely need to show the boots and the pink suitcase!! Lovin’ this blog. So glad to have met you and I hope my niece reaches out to you soon. Soak up the love that is Buffalo!
Yes, I do! Know anyone who would want to redesign my site? I pay in cookies! Glad you’re enjoying the blog & looking forward to chatting with your niece.
How do you do it? I’m in the process of jumping on a plane to go teach English in South Korea for a year and am frightened to death of not making friends, language barrier and being gone for a year!
Don’t worry! You’ll do great. The first time is always the hardest — when I first moved to Japan after undergrad I was completely overwhelmed and unsure of myself. But there were tons of other foreign teachers there to make friends with (as well as some Japanese people who took pity on me and my laughable Japanese skills). And you’ll be surprised at how life in the States carries on without you… it really SHOULDN’T, right? (I mean, why don’t these people miss me more? Don’t they know I’m gone???).
Best of luck in Korea! I loved it there the few times I’ve been… maybe that will have to be my next teaching destination!
Was just referred here by a friend, who is my kindred spirit in traveling the world…and now I see why she sent me.
I can’t wait to read more! I love cookies, and traveling, and cats, and pink…even pink hats!
Heidi, Thanks for stopping by & glad you’re enjoying the site!
Hi Sally!
I hope you had a great visit in Buffalo and are settling into your new place in China! I had a great month in Taiwan!
Ellen
Funny you put scuba dive and sky dive in the same category. I’m fine with scuba dive, but scared to hell with sky dive
Slopes especially the slippery ones are my weakness. Weird, eh!
Nice to know you
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Did you ever go to Egypt? Crossing streets there is an adventure!
You might say it’s not the place for you, but I am sure you would love it after a while.
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Nope, never been to Egypt. I’m working my way up to Africa and the Middle East… it’s just taking me so long to get out of Asia. You know, not being able to cross the street really makes it hard to get to the airport!
Right! lol
Maybe by the time you make it out of Asia, they will invent crosswalks in Cairo too.:) (kd) Enjoy your stay in Asia!
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Hey, you’re from Buffalo! I’m from North Tonawanda. We were almost neighbors at some point…
Also, I really think the pink hat suits you
We ARE like neighbors. And, thanks, the pink hat was pretty awesome!
Woot! Woot! For WNYer’s!
I am a neighbor too ladies! Used to live in Lancaster. Just found your site and am hooked!
Yay! WNY Women for the win! Thanks so much for checking out my blog & glad to hear you’re enjoying it.
Hey Sally! Stumbled on your blog this weekend and loved reading about your adventures teaching in China! So exciting to hear what you’ve done post EBA
You’ve always had a great sense of humor and so your gift continues. I enjoyed China & Thailand immensely prior to Japan and hope you continue to do so. All my best!
Wow, Lisa, great to hear from you! Yes, life post-EBA is treating me well! I hope it’s doing the same for you!
Life is good. Been teaching at OU for about 3 years now. Decided 12 years in this profession is good enough for now and moving on this fall. Back to grad school I go
I guess it is my attempt at being brave. Can’t wait to read your future book. Your website is inspiring me to not settle for what job doesn’t make me enjoy life more. Thanks!
Lisa, Wow, back to grad school? How exciting! What will you be studying? I think my last year at EBA & then the year I took to travel made me really doubt whether or not I want to teach forever… and made me start thinking about what I really want to do — write. Now just to make it happen! Good luck with your grad school plans!
I just stumbled across your blog… and I can’t wait to read more on your site!!! Sounds like you live quite an adventurous life… most people would be too scared to travel like you do, not knowing where they will work next or where they will be! Can’t wait to read about your travels!
Hi Claire, Thanks so much for stopping by & glad you’re enjoying reading my blog!
Sally,
I am so glad I was referred to your blog. You’re one of the top 10! Congrats.
I wish I was brave like you and dared leave everything and travel abroad. That’s BRAVE to me.
Your blog is the most interesting and refreshing I’ve read in long time.
Write a book and share with those that don’t read blogs
Happy trails!
Thanks, Julie! Glad you enjoy it. And the book is on the way… it’s just going to take a while at the rate I’m going!
Hi, Sally.
A book sounds like a great idea. I stumbled on your website while looking up Lemon & Sesame pringles to see whether they’ll kill me or not. At least I know you’re still alive. I agree with your conclusion – all lemon and no sesame. Too dessert for my liking too. Enjoy your travels and I will continue to enjoy your blog. Thanks.
Thanks, Jennifer. Glad you lived through the Lemon & Sesame Pringles! Did you also try the blueberry ones — also a bit too dessert-flavored for my liking but, again, super addictive.
Hey cool blog! And your effortless, self-deprecating humor is refreshing. They say there’s a thin line between bravery and stupidity so in my case, I’m often mistaken for being brave when I’m really just being an idiot. Still fun though.
Thanks, Kristine. I’m glad you enjoy the blog and, yes, it is a fine line between bravery and idiocy. I usually err on the side of idiocy, alas.
Love your blog! Hope you don’t mind that I shared in on MY blog!!
Of course not! Share away!
So cool, unbrave girl! It’s almost similar like me. I do many things because I am afraid of many uncertainties. Come to Indonesia and I will guide you around J-town aka Jakarta
Stay travelling! 
Thanks for the comment, Stania. Jakarta is definitely on my list! I’ll let you know when I get there.
Yay! Another cookie lover! I even wrote a post entirely about one cookie. http://www.50plusandontherun.com/2011/09/youve-never-had-cookie-like-this.html
Glad I stumbled onto your site. Keep having fun.
Peace,
Nancy
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Omigosh. Those hot chocolate cookies look AMAZING. Totally WANT.
Great blog, you’re a great writer
Thank you, Peg! Glad you’re enjoying my blog.
The new site looks great! Love the redesign! Merry Christmas.
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One of the most refreshing individual stories i’ve come across in recent past – applause!!
\m/
People like you and the things you do (and don’t do!) give me the boost i need to finally make that leap. You go (un)Brave Girl!!!
It’s wonderful to read about your adventures abroad. I live in Spain, which compared to Asia is practically Ohio, but even so a lot of my friends think my expat lifestyle takes all sorts of courage. I find my life abroad to be endlessly entertaining. And for every pair of great shoes I’ve left behind, there’s a new pair waiting for me in the next shop window.
Gah! You’re so lucky! I have super huge feet, and often have trouble finding shoes that fit in the States. So finding shoes that fit me in Asia is pretty much impossible. I guess it’s cut down on my spending not being able to buy as many shoes as I’d like… but sometimes it’s a real pain when I actually, you know, NEED shoes. (And don’t just WANT them because they have sequins or something on them.)
I’d love to hear more about life in Spain — doesn’t sounds like Ohio at all to me! I guess I’ll check out your blog to see your stories.
Yes, do visit my blog and web site for more stories. I love sharing.
The size thing is always an issue shopping in Asia. In Spain, I can always find the right sizes, the problem is that they love ultra high stiletto heels, which I find difficult under the best of circumstances and positively lethal on the cobblestone streets of Seville. My Spanish teacher told me she is the only woman in her family who has not had food surgery! Which is why I do seek out the lower heels for actual walking. Call me crazy.
Just glanced over my reply, and would like to amend food surgery to read foot surgery. I guess that’s what happens when you write before breakfast.
So glad I found your blog. I have spent the last few hours reading post after post. Your stories are very entertaining and interesting. What a misleading name for your blog though. I have handled death adders while all alone in the Australian outback (always move rattlesnakes off the road and the bike trails too), dove with sharks, caught spiders in my bare hands (to set them free outside), driven in foreign countries (including Taiwan), jay walked often in foreign countries (even Japan but only when no one is looking), ate at food stalls where even many locals won’t (btw, stinky tofu is my favorite food, it’s the only food I actually dream about in my sleep) and have even taken a pee on the streets of Suzhou outside the bus station (at the suggestion of the driver “That’s where everyone else pees.”). However, I am afraid of saltwater crocodiles, I don’t ride a bike without a helmet and I dream about quitting my job and living in a foreign country and traveling the world but I am not brave enough to do it. You ARE brave and talented too.
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All I can say is that I’m greatly inspired. Thanks!
Thanks, Harsh!