I’ve been a tad absent on the blog lately, and I have my recent move to thank for that. For those who don’t know, I recently moved from Portland, Ore., to Seattle, Wash., to take a job as a news and features writer for a major outdoor retailer. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind, but I couldn’t be more grateful.
I was recently thinking about how so much of my time outdoors prepares me for “real” life. You know, my off-trail life. My July road trip from Portland to Santa Fe, N.M., made me uncomfortable in all the best ways, and I learned how to sit with those emotions. I witnessed the beauty and growth that comes from challenging oneself, and I’m applying those lessons to this move.
I love my new life and new job in Seattle, but I won’t pretend that moving doesn’t come with its challenges. Everything is new, and I’m still getting the hang of even the simple things like finding the best coffee shop for work-from-home days and figuring out public transportation. But it’s fun in its own way.
Some of my highlights thus far:
+ Taking the water taxi at night — I love looking out from the deck of the water taxi at a lit-up Seattle skyline. I really hope this never gets old.
+ Tacos at Marination Ma Kai — My friend turned me on to this small Hawaiian joint near the dock where I catch the water taxi. Their $3 spicy pork tacos call my name every time I land.
+ Squid fishing — As I was walking past a dock one night, I caught a glimpse of fisherman dipping reflective, neon poles in the water. They were “fishing” for squid! I just sat and watched them. It sounds so simple, but their colorful poles were beautiful.
+ Water, everywhere — I love living near a beach, taking a water taxi, watching squid fishing and eating amazing seafood. Aside from my short stint living in LA, I’ve never lived near a large body of water, so this has been pretty fun.
+ Celebrating another year around the sun — I celebrated my birthday a week ago, and I was so happy to be ringing in another year in a brand-new city. The past year has been majorly transformative, and I couldn’t be happier.
I’m still getting the hang of living in my new city, but I’m grateful for the adventure. Like all my solo experiences, I know this is one I’m going to look back on fondly. I’m excited to see where the next year takes me.