I was born under a wandering star...

One of my all time favorite movie quotes is "howdy parson, welcome to hell." Out of context the line isn't funny, but the scene always has me in stiches. It’s from the musical Paint Your Wagon in which Clint Eastwood sings. The most surprising thing isn't that he is in a musical; it's that he can actually sing well. Who knew?

While I'm not sure what I expected in this move, I'm happily surprised to find how easily I am slipping into this new life. I've been going on interviews and I may actually have a job next week. It is a bit up in the air but it looks good. I am making friends, or at least meeting people. My roommate so far seems pretty cool and has even invited me to a party on Sunday to introduce me to people. I've found a great bbq place just down the road, and I've managed to find my way home without help on a regular basis.

The best surprise in this move has been how beautiful it is here. I can't seem to get over it. I don't have a view from my apartment, but I have a gorgeous one every time I leave my place. There are two roads down the hill that I can take to get anywhere, and both offer views of Puget Sound that are absolutely beautiful. The last few days have been sunny and clear so I got to see Mt. Rainier at its best. I even got to see Green Lake at night with a full moon shining on it. I don't know when the newness of this move will wear off, but for now I'm enjoying being continually surprised by the natural beauty of this place.

Leaving Friday

After what feels like forever I am finally moving this Friday. Most of my belongings are packed up, but it feels like I'm just moving to yet another apartment somewhere in town. Except that I've been slowly saying good-bye to all my friends. Normally I don't see my friends around move dates as they are trying to avoid the ever present request for moving help that all twenty-somethings face. Its a bit odd to actually have friends call me up to make plans while I'm surrounded by full cardboard boxes. A part of me keeps thinking, "what's the big deal, I'll see you next week?" Except that I won't. Next week I'll be living in the rain soaked northwest, far from the incredible people I have met here. So between packing up my bakeware and looking for a job I'm going to dinner and drinks and saying good-bye. This may or may not turn out to be the best decision I've made, but either way I leave Friday.

My favorite thing is to go where I've never been. -Diane Arbus