I have lived in the Pacific Northwest, the Midwest, and London’s West End. I have been hijacked, deported, and once suspended from 4th grade for a half day. I have run marathons, triathlons, and my mouth – all with less than stellar results. I have hiked the Appalachian Trail, sat in Senate gallery, and sunned topless in Nice. I have been Holly Golightly, Captain of the Debate team, and Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.

I have read many of the classics, most of the non-classics, and all of the rants on Craig’s list. I have slept in hostels, four-star hotels, and very important meetings. I have mastered my profession, my kitchen, and the ancient art of killing with kindness. I once kicked ass, but forget to take names. I have been to Fourth Presbyterian, the Vatican, the Spanish Synagogue, but still prefer the church of knowing better but doing it anyway.

I have stolen bases, hearts, and a pack of gum when I was 5. I have been the responsible care-taker of two great dogs and the cool, less responsible aunt of two awesome nephews. I have scuba-dived, mountain climbed, and spent whole weekends watching 24. I have sailed in Puget Sound, on the Baltic Sea, but not through life. I have learned the value of a good friend, a dollar, and a knock-out pair of stilettos.

I would have liked to been a great artist, activist, marine-biologist, or even an existentialist, but instead, have only become a philanthropic capitalist and more sadly, an area-codist. I have dreamed of someday building my own house, cage diving with great whites, trekking through Africa, and one day, teaching my dogs to stay.

I have run 5ks, 8ks, 10 milers, half and full marathons, and completed some sprint and Olympic distance triathlons. I have done one Ironman, but learned that one isn’t enough. So I’m chasing the dragon for just one more and to hear those sweet little words “Michelle Alexander, you are an Ironman” before moving on to new adventures.