the end of the year

Since I have been a tad busy getting settled, drving to and from work, moving a few times, traveling to New York, helping some friends, and most importantly chatting with my various housemates, I have not been as good about updating the blog. Prorities.
But I have missed writing my thoughts and feelings and observations in all of this change and adventure. There has been so much to take in- good things and some sad.

The last few weeks in DC/Maryland were hectic. I was trying to pull together an event in three weeks time that I normally spend months planning. I felt immense pressure to pass it off as done as humanly possible. My last day was extended due to that, which I was just fine with. It allowed me time to put all these big changes away for just a little more time. I am exceptional at compartmetalizing. It's how I deal well with crisis. I focus on the issue at hand and fall apart afterward. So the last week was filled with meetings, outings, saying goodbye. I got a little teary but more than anything I was focused on the task at hand. And then came Friday and packaging up my laptop to be sent back. And a lunch with a friend. And it hit me. Literally took my breath away, for just a second. I was leaving a city I'd mastered and learned to love in a year of getting beat-up. I was leaving a job I'd had for almost ten years and one I still liked. I was leaving behind almost my whole career. And I was picking up to move to a new city and start a new job in two days. Whoa. deep breaths.

As I was headed back to the little ladies for one last sleepover at their house and one last night with one of my all-time favorite housemates (no offense to anyone else!), I got so sad. Not because I was scared of the decision I'd made, but sad to leave such a special year behind. In that year, I'd conquered a city. I'd fallen deeply in love with my favorite little people. I'd learned how fast and deep a friendship can grow.I'd learned what I am made of. I really learned how very lucky I am. And I was humbled by the love I have been shown.

Saturday, in Ferd Schulte fashion (meaning really early), I got up and started the adventure. I had one last infusion treatment(because why wouldn't that be the case) and then I hit the road and headed toward the mitten. I had a 9 hour drive through the hills and highways. A mix of good music and time alone --jobless (for 2 days) and homeless. I got home and relished in the large sized bed (I had been sleeping in a 3/4 bed-- short and fat twin bed, really) and got excited that I could sleep in on Sunday. finally. ;)

Sunday I got up and attem- hit up a coffee and bagel place and headed toward Chicago in the rain. My moves tend to have the background of rain, I tak it as a positive sign. Like the planet is cleansing me of the old so I can start fresh and new or something. (wow, that was really hippy dippy! But I'm sticking with it.)

I got to my new temporary home, knocked and was immediately welcomed with squeals of delight from the other side of the door. So cute and perfect.
I unloaded (with the help of my new housemates), got the tour and the favorite books orientation, then had a homecooked dinner. The adults shared tips for getting to the office the next day and we talked about grown up things.
And Monday I started my job.

We'll end the story there for now.


DC friends Goodbye bar crawl.

C and Mags on our "ice cream for breakfast date"

Sammie and Erica



the packed car





the new roomies

 

Happy heart

Today is February 1.

The first of the month, you pay your bills, including rent. And while I wrote out the rent check (the only actual check I ever have to write), I realized this is the 24th month I have written a rent check out to my landlord.

I have lived here for two years. Officially.

It's awesome and crazy.

It's still exciting and just lovely.

And home.

**Photo taken at Kerry Park on 1/1/12.
This was my "missing view". The songbird took me here when I first came to visit her 7 years ago and I have never found it. 1- I didn't know the name and 2- I couldn't have told you the neighborhood. So excited to have found it again!

Home Sweet Home

(should have been posted Saturday, 8/27)

Yay! After a month on the road I am home.

While I loved my time with friends and on the beach, it is so very nice to be in my own place.

I got to check out my garden, visit my favorite flower vendor, and buy some fresh Yakima fruit. Yum!

Tomorrow, I have a date with my couch. It's supposed to be sunny outside, but I am still scarred from the gross Phoenix temps that reached a maximum of 117 on Friday. No gracias! Instead of enjoying the gorgeous sun, I am going to enjoy the cool breezes through my open window and catch up on the DVR! Nerdy- sure. Lazy- you betcha! But, it will be amazing!

Yes! Michigan

Long, long ago (well in the eighties when I was growing up), Michigan's ad campaign was Yes! Michigan. And because my Aunt mugs worked in the government we got all kinds of cool buttons, bumper stickers and the like. As a kid, I just thought it was super fun to have all the schwag and put stickers on things (folders, my bike, my brother (!)). But now, as an adult, I get it. YES! Michigan.

There is no place like it. And I have been a fair amount of places.

From Detroit to Soo Saint Marie (yes that is an actual city), you can find incredible things to see and do.

I spent the better part of last week working from the southeast corner of the Mitten State *and I enjoyed scenic drives (in the city), some history, and yummy, yummy Meditterenean food.

Then I ventured to my happy place- Up North, Michigan. For anyone from the Mitten or surrounding states, you know what Up North means. It's cottages, open spaces, lake views, and lazy afternoons. It's fresh air, local yokels, and tourists. It's small town parades and firework displays. And for me- it's time with family just the way I remember it. Lounging on the beach, braving the chilly Lake Michigan temps, laughing, cocktailing (as I aged), and playing games.

As my dad pointed out the other day on the beach, I am old (31). (Which I must say makes him really old!) But even as an "old lady", I still love it. Maybe even more than I did as a kid. I can now appreciate the slow drive around Stern Park to "make sure the lake is still there", the daily trips to see the boat go out (huge car ferries), and the quiet.

I may call someplace else home, but this will always be my happy place.

**If you don't know, the state of Michigan is shaped like a mitten. That is why all people from here will hold up there and show you where they live when asked. It's all part of the charm, don't you think? ;)

One Year.

Wow! Yesterday I realized it was one year ago that left on the last leg of my adventure move from Phoenix, AZ to Seattle, WA. I left Modesto, CA (where I had escaped the "storm of the century") and took off for my new home. I left with a vague idea of where I needed to go and with a destination in mind. In San Francisco I had to phone-a-friend for directions to the road less taken, due to GPS issues and my lack of a real map. I got on the correct highway and began one of what will likely be an all-time favorite adventure. I headed up Highway 101 in the pouring rain. I had NO idea where I was going or what I would see.

Along my way, I saw the vineyards of Northern California, the most incredible Pacific ocean views (postcard worthy), the Redwood forest (incredible), and then the mountains. I kind of expected the vineyards and ocean views, but literally had no clue I would see the redwoods. I was driving along the roads, often times the only car out there, with no cell service--just a girl and her car. Literally, I was staring up at these trees thinking they were the tallest things I had seen in my life and then I saw the sign-- Valley of the Giants. It was only then that I put it together. (Before you judge--remember I still did not have a map with me, so honestly had NO clue where I was on the map.) I squealed all by myself because I was so excited. Then I started to sing "America the Beautiful" in my head..."from the redwood forest to the Gulf stream waters...". Until then, I never understood. At that moment, I GOT that song! Even with the rain and dreary winter weather that drive was as beautiful as some of the scenery I have flown around the world to be privy to view. "How lucky am I?", was all I could think as I continued to drive.

Between the surprising sites and the pure excitement of embarking on this adventure, I made the trip in 19 hours straight. By the time I was ready to stop, I was just SO close and then I saw the Space Needle. Talk about a sight for sore eyes! Right then and there I knew this would be home.

Since then, I have lived in my little cottage and loved it (rainy days and all). I am still discovering the sights and sounds of my new home. And I still delight in the mountain appearances, the fresh fish markets, and oh so much more. I am looking forward to what the next year will bring here in my new home.

Seattle Recap

This past week (well last week now because I am so late in reporting) was the Seattle 3-Day event. It was weird to manage an event in my home city. In fact, once I was on-event I continued to forget that my house was only 45 minutes away. I think this was a saving grace to not be reminded that my bed and pillows were only a short drive down the road. I was definatel tempted!

The event went well overall, but there were gliches (as there always are). The important thing to remember is how we deal with those glitches. For example, instead of buidling a dining tent (because the ground was WAY too soft) we (well, the amazing tent boys and their helpers) built a dining area that Buzz-buzz called a Shanty-Town Dining tent. It was an array of tents that reminded me of the little fishing houses (or boats) in a remote fishing village. It was quirky but it had some charm.

The rain came on Thursday and stayed through Friday for most of the day. It went away for the most amazing day of walking ever (no joke- 72 and sunny. Perfect!). But then returned with a vengence on Sunday morning, just in time for breakfast. I am sad to report we all got caught in it. No one chose to dine under the tents, rather they waited in line for the buses with their plates of food. In hindsight, perhaps we should have provided each walker with a cute umbrella. Maybe next time? It dried out for the closing ceremonies. The walkers left happy, the staff left tired. And then I got to go home, to my own bed in my own house (even though it was a little messy). Delightful.