Let me begin by saying I know now that I didn't have a clue. And yes, as you read this I am a college graduate.
Why WA? Well, Ted (My college boyfriend) and I looked at an atlas one day and started crossing off the states we would or wouldn't want to live in. I hope to find that atlas someday with its big X on California and the entire east coast. Well, WA seemed perfect because it had mountains which Ted loved and the ocean which I love. So, WA it was. Just like that. No home or jobs lined up, but with college degrees in hand, the world was ours! Excuse me while I laugh some more....
I wanted to move because I was sick of winter and the adventure too good to pass up. I can tell funny stories about being late to class because I was warming up my car for 45 min. and digging it out of snow. Then when I went up the road it was too icy so I had to slide backwards for blocks and blocks and then try an alternate route. This was not a one time occurrence, this was winter in Duluth, MN . Duluth has spectacular beauty, unmatched and untouched in many ways, but harsh winters. I was ready for a more mild climate. With no job and student loans to start paying, I figured I could start out anywhere. Why not WA?
I moved to WA in Sept. of 1998. My college friend Stephanie made the drive with me and then she flew back to MN. I recall driving out and reaching Eastern WA. I was shocked. I had been to the Seattle area 4 months prior, my first time ever to WA, and everything was so green. I really did wonder what in the world happened and was I really going to live in this dessert like environment. A few hours later, we crossed the mts. and there was the WA I was looking for.
I found an apartment in Port Orchard, WA. I had seen an add online. First months rent was 1/2 off and I was to get a new color television. It sounded perfect so I signed up.
Before Stephanie left, we visited the ocean beaches. Ted, Stephanie and myself greeted the ocean with swimsuits and beach towels. We were prepared for a nice ocean swim. The waves and temperature were a complete surprise to us. The ocean isn't warm here? Who knew?!?!
12 years later and this has become home. I am always amazed by the beauty of this awesome state. There is a never ending list of places to hike and see for the first time, and I love that. WA to my kids is home. They were born here and it's all they know. Deep in my heart, I am a prairie girl from the great state of North Dakota, but have had grand adventures becoming an evergreen state woman.
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I happen to think that you are very brave and adventurous! I know you can snowboard but will just remind you that falling while skiing in your mid-thirties is different than in your mid-twenties. The soreness takes a little longer to leave the bod! Party on...but I won't be joining you, as falling in my late 50's has been SO painful for me!
ReplyDeleteWashington is amazing. Wayne and I did the same thing. We looked at a map, Wayne applied for a job and we came out here sight unseen. U-haul, our black cocker spaniel Oliver, and across country we came. Although I love Colorado, this would be my second choice. We've been here now for 17 years! Glad you are in our part of the country and that we can be friends.
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