A blog post about a book, about a blog

And just like that, the next phase of this trek around the world is well underway.  I had a productive weekend of writing and then packing for continent five in my trek to seven in 2023 (Asia)

I wrote about 12,500 words in 7 chapters.  I think I have about 8-10 more chapters to go, but obviously I can’t finish until I return from Antarctica on New Years Eve.  The plan is to have book 1 (still untitled) published by 1/31/2024.

Book 2 is already conceptualized and will be a photo book of the top 50 or 100 photos with a brief description of the story behind the photos.  I think the book will be titled “People n Places: Behind the Lens”

Book 3 is still conceptual, may or may not get written but I am planning a fiction novel about the year, loosely based on events and people but you’ll be left to decide what’s real and what’s fiction.

I have a friend and client named Cindy to largely thank for the encouragement to write a book. Very early on in the journey, we met for lunch and she gifted me a book "How to Write your First Book" which has proved to be extremely helpful and motivating. It's not as hard as one would think. If you follow a plan, just like sales, just like travel, you can do anything you put your mind to, even write and publish a book.

Here I wake on Monday morning, check-in for my 5:40a flight tomorrow morning and sip coffee while Macie wanders about the apartment.

Excitement is abundant this morning.  My suitcase is in better order than it’s ever been before.  I feel like I have not over packed or under packed for this journey, which is no easy feat given the wide temperature and weather conditions between Tokyo and Singapore.

Packing cubes are my friend. They keep my suitcase organized. Different categories of clothing is packed in individual cubes so it's easy to pull out what you want but not disturb everything. When unpacking into hotels or cruise cabins it helps keep things sanitary but is also just a huge time saver as packing/unpacking a few cubes versus each individual item is quick.

The camera is charged, and so is my soul.

Writing this weekend recharged me.  It was so much fun reflecting back on what’s transpired so far this year, fully knowing that there is still so, so much to see and do.  16 nights in Asia including the following excursions:

Destination Highlights: Nagasaki Memorial Tour

Small group: Taipei Lifestyle

Destination Highlight: Hong Kong night tour

Destination Highlight: Cooking Class in Hoi An

I still don’t know what I am going to do with my few days in Tokyo.  A lot of that will be weather dependent.  And then there is Singapore and the Marina Bay Sands resort with its world-famous infinity pool.

I appreciate you all, tremendously.  Caden and the team at the office will work alongside me to finish up 3 more closings on November and there are starting to be a few possibilities for some December closings (which definitely need to happen, as I’ve always closed at least one loan every month if my career). So in this season if thankfulness, thank you!

Cole from Colorado

Thriving in this place called a dream.

Suitcase organization realness: