Wandering with Kals

From saving lives to chasing mine.

Introduction

Hi, I’m Kali (Kay-lee)-but people call me Kals. I left both of my jobs as a critical care paramedic/firefighter, moved out of my home, booked a one-way ticket to Europe, and walked away from everything I thought I’d be at 31. It’s my first time being single in a decade. It’s also the first time I’m not “on shift,” running toward chaos to keep someone else alive.

This trip? It’s been a decade in the making. When I was 21, I mapped out this same journey but never took the leap. Life, love, and the job always came first. But now, it’s me.

Follow along as I figure out who I am without the uniform, the relationship, or the schedule. I’ll be sharing my honest experience-from beautiful hikes and cultural surprises to loneliness, growth, and the messy middle parts no one talks about.

  • Ten Years Late, But Right On Time

    Ten years ago, I was 21, working night shift in the emergency department at Mayo Clinic, sitting at my computer desk between patients, Google Maps open, dreaming up a Europe backpacking route I never took. I had the cities, the hostels, the rail pass all picked out-but then life happened. I fell in love. I focused on my job in EMS, and put my dreams aside. One by one, I traded plans for people and responsibility.

    Now, I turned 31 a week ago. I’ve just left both of my jobs as a critical care paramedic/firefighter. I ended my relationship. I sold a bunch of my belongings and moved out of my home. I’m single for the first time in ten years. And I’ve finally bought the one-way ticket I never did back then.

    It’s terrifying to leave my comfort zone and everything familiar behind. But it also feels like coming home-to the version of myself I left behind. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone. I don’t know where I’ll end up. I don’t have all the answers. But I do know this: I’m not running from anything. I’m running toward the woman I’ve always wanted to be.

    This blog will be messy. Honest. Full of joy, loneliness, late-night hostel chats, maybe some existential crises, and hopefully a whole lot of healing.

    Let’s see what happens when I finally put myself first.

    I’m so happy you’re here. 🙂

Scootering through Sunshine: The Valencia Chapter

Sometimes the universe cancels your plans so it can hand you something softer. Oh Valencia. My sweet, sweet Valencia. It feels crazy to love every single place I go to. Is that normal?  I absolutely loved Valencia. It’s a very beautiful and charming city. I’m so happy I went in the off -season. I stayed…

by kalijunk1

Barcelona on Wheels: Finding Freedom After My Injury

Okay yes….I left Bordeaux when I wasn’t even halfway in the healing process from my broken ankle but hear me out- it was so worth it. I feel like I’ve become alive again. I feel like the old me, who I was before I broke my ankle, except that’s not entirely true. I feel braver,…

by kalijunk1
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