Welcome!

My morning run in Geraldine, New Zealand.  

Hi there!  This is Melissa.  You are most likely reading this blog because you know me through one of many avenues of life.  I want to thank you for your support as I embark on this amazing adventure.  I wouldn't be here now, in New Zealand, if it weren't for your continued love and encouragement.  That being said, let's get started with things.                   

Why the blog name?

Seward Co-op once stocked "Sassy Cow" milk.  I thoroughly enjoyed their whole milk in my oatmeal and coffee.  On several occasions it was noted that my level of sass increased while consuming "Sassy Cow" milk.  Maybe Minneapolis became too sassy, as the co-op no longer carries their milk.  This Minneapolis sassy cow is "on the loose."  I was set free from the heard in Minneapolis to explore the countryside of New Zealand, Thailand, and Nepal.  This would not have been possible without my fabulous nurse manager granting me a 10-week leave of absence...without having a baby!  I am very grateful for this rare opportunity.  

Why travel?

I love to travel off the beaten path!  Traveling provides more opportunities for growth and self-discovery than a routine life in homogenous Minneapolis can offer.  Meeting people and understanding their way of life gives light to new perspectives.  My hope is that these new perspectives will develop a deeper awareness of my own beliefs and thoughts.  

Traveling alone provides it's own bag of challenges.  Using my "people" instincts, reading maps, and driving on the other side of the road while reading maps are a few that come to mind.  But I'm excited for these challenges, as they can only increase my appreciation for the great life I have in Minneapolis.  

Why New Zealand, Thailand, and Nepal?

Ugh.  I hate to say it, but the seed was planted while reading "Eat Pray Love."  The seed started growing when I sat next to a lady at Birchwood Cafe one morning to watch the Tour De France.  We both share the love to travel and exchanged stories of biking in the French Alps.  She went on to say that her favorite place of travel was New Zealand, where she stayed with a family and worked on their farm.  I was sold.  I'm actually going to the same farm in a couple of weeks.  

I wanted more diversity in my travels, so I added Koh Samui, an island off of Thailand for my beach /yoga time, and Nepal for more more trekking and hopefully some volunteer work.  

I will disclose that this blog will not be just pictures and sentences of where I've been.  I presume that I will ramble about the meaning of life and post way too many pictures of good real food.  I will make no promises to blog frequently or to respond promptly to e-mails and comments.  I want to be present with my new friends.  I also want to read, journal, and floss my teeth every day, all of which will take up substantial time! ;) Much love to all!

~Melissa