Today is The Wandering New Mexican’s sixth birthday.
Who would have thought six years ago that I would be the person I am today?
Not me.
When I started this blog, I was a year out of a massively toxic long term relationship that left me shattered and hopeless. I was broke and working what seemed to be a dead-end job.
Then, for some reason, the fates smiled upon me. I don’t know what I did to receive the good fortune I’ve had since I started this blog but whatever it was, I like it.
This is not to say that I am in perfect shape. I still have insecurities left, not only from that toxic relationship but from experiences I had even leading up to it.
But I have definitely grown immensely.
I have a fantastic, steady career, working for the best company I have ever worked for, I am in a relationship with someone that actually wants to do something with their life, not just ride my coattails, and I am afforded some INSANE opportunities.
Now, was it BECAUSE of this blog? Perhaps. Maybe I needed this online journal of sorts to help keep me centered and grounded.
Was it because of Ash? Probably. Having someone that would show me unconditional love was something I needed – I’d never experienced that before.
Was it because of Brandy? Likely. She showed me that seeking the approval of others was never going to make ME happy. My own approval is all that mattered. She also showed me how bad other people could be for me and that boundaries need to be set.
All of these things have added up and made me a version of myself I never thought possible.
Like I said though, I do still carry insecurities and mood swings (bipolar is a bitch) but they don’t affect me nearly as often or as dramatically as they used to.
When I started this blog, I strove to, at some point, explore outside of New Mexico.
Now, I can proudly say I have not only left New Mexico, not only left the Southwest, but I have traveled outside of the country with our trip to Mexico in September 2025.
And, with our upcoming trip to Portugal in June 2026, I’ll be able to say that I’ve even left North America.
Photo Diary Revamp
My Photo Diary was starting to irritate me. I didn’t like the way it looked and managing it was a pain in the ass. I’ve decided to give it a good overhaul. For the next, probably several months, I will be completely redoing it.
While I do that, I’m giving myself the opportunity to reflect on the adventures that are captured in the thousands upon thousands of images I’ve posted in the galleries.
And also make fun of myself and my amateurish photography skills from 6 years ago.
Now, I know I’m still pretty far from being anywhere near a professional photographer but still, my skills have come a pretty long way, I’d say.
Like I said, I know I still have a long way to go with my photography skills, but I’m learning a lot about composition and lighting and focus and all that, and between those two pictures, I definitely see progress, and I’m learning a lot about post production as well.
And given your pick between those two pictures, which do you think is better?
Anyway, as is always the case, there is always something to be thankful for and going through these pictures just reminds me of everything I’ve been through, everything I’ve experienced, and how much more is yet to come.
hashtag blessed, or whatever.
Here’s to an amazing seventh year!
-Phil