Three Weeks and Counting...

For nineteen years, I have called Salt Lake City my home. In three weeks, the car will be packed. The front seat will hold a pillow for my sixteen year old cat to curl up and rest, my major furniture will be stored at a friends house (along with maybe six boxes of books, the other six I feel need to travel the road with me) and I'll be on a twelve hour drive that will be the beginning of a new adventure. (As a bookworm I call this my new chapter.)

To answer all the questions up front:
No, I don't have an apartment as of yet.
Nor do I have a job (again I stress), YET.
I am not doing this because of a beau.
I am not going to where the young retire to stay in the woods and live off the land. Though, the idea of farm to table is definitely something I look forward to partake in more.

No, to all the questions people ask, and when I answer a final question is presented in baffled tones, "So, why are you doing this?"

True, Salt Lake City is my home. There will always be a part of me that loves this city more than anywhere else I go. I began living here before I graduated high school from that remote rural town in the North East. I received my first college degree and met my best friend going to Westminster College. I found many friendships here, and rekindled old ones. I found love and loss in Salt Lake City. I took a leap and was able to attain my second degree by living in this state. I gained experience in all the professions I have held, though none more so than the last two organizations I have worked for. Salt Lake City gave me an apartment I have lived in for fourteen years, and I've become so familiar with the city streets that I have no problem dance-walking around this city until the wee hours of the morning.

So why am I moving to Portland, Oregon?

As a woman who finds herself to be strong and independent, I have always told myself I can make it no matter where I am. I guess it's time for me to remove the security blanket and prove this to myself. I want that challenge, and heading back towards the North West where my life began seems appropriate for some reason.

This isn't easy. I'm nervous and scared (for lack of a better description) shitless. That being said, I'm also excited about what this change of environment might provide. The opportunities. And yes, Mom, I can hear your voice now ringing in my ears, "We have options."

I'm excited to see how I react. I know there will be times I have to stick my neck out. I know it will take hard work to accomplish all I feel Portland provides.

I have three weeks. Three weeks and counting to enjoy the home I have loved for the last nineteen years. Three weeks and counting to anticipate the journey to a new fireside.

Three weeks... And counting...