It started as a whisper a long time ago. Years in fact. Back in 2011 when I made a work trip to a new city and had a blast. The whisper was there - home was not just a place, it was a feeling you had to embrace.
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Original Starbucks, 2011 |
As a new runner, I didn't go far in Seattle, but I enjoyed the mild climate and all the food, drinks and sights to see.
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Pre-run selfie, 2011 |
Then last fall, my wanderlust was in high gear and the whisper got louder. The trip Mandy and I took to the Pacific North West was the vacation of a lifetime. Something about that trip turned the tides for me.
I've always known I was not made to be a Midwestern girl. Snow makes me sad, traffic makes me mad. I was meant to drink craft beers, run year round, fall asleep to the sound of rain and embrace gray skies and misty mornings with French pressed coffee, fabulous-looking boots and commuting via bike.
I was made for Seattle.

The whisper became firmer and clearer. I've sold most of my possessions, wrapped up loose ends and set my fears aside. All the details shall soon be revealed, but starting this summer, I'm calling Jet City home. We spent the weekend walking the neighborhoods and weighing the pros and cons of apartments, after a 20-mile run in my new hometown confirmed what the whisper suggested all along: we don't have to flourish where we are planted. We will thrive where we lie roots, and this is where it begins.
Welcome to my next adventure. Hold onto your hats, it's going to be wild.
I've always known I was not made to be a Midwestern girl. Snow makes me sad, traffic makes me mad. I was meant to drink craft beers, run year round, fall asleep to the sound of rain and embrace gray skies and misty mornings with French pressed coffee, fabulous-looking boots and commuting via bike.
I was made for Seattle.
The whisper became firmer and clearer. I've sold most of my possessions, wrapped up loose ends and set my fears aside. All the details shall soon be revealed, but starting this summer, I'm calling Jet City home. We spent the weekend walking the neighborhoods and weighing the pros and cons of apartments, after a 20-mile run in my new hometown confirmed what the whisper suggested all along: we don't have to flourish where we are planted. We will thrive where we lie roots, and this is where it begins.
Welcome to my next adventure. Hold onto your hats, it's going to be wild.
19 comments:
I had to think if it was April Fool's....this makes me incredibly sad for me..but happy for you
Congrats to you! Sounds exciting! Look forward to reading about your new hometown adventures!
How exciting! What a great thing to realize AND to act on.
My husband and I are contemplating a vacay to the Pacific Northwest this summer. Would love to pick your brain about that trip when I see you in May :)
SO excited for you! Seattle is my second favorite city (behind Van), and I'd move there in a millisecond. I keep telling the bf we NEED to move to the PNW :) Can't wait to hear more details! Happy Monday!
Ahhhh!!!! Congratulations! What an awesome adventure!
AHHHHHHHH... the cat is out of the bag! So excited for you. i have been meaning to visit there for years.. between my other friend and you, i now have two good reasons. congrats!
WOOOOOOO congratulations!!!! This is so so so exciting to hear!!! Moving to a new city is such an incredible, life-changing experience and I can't wait to read about your adventures out West.
-Irina
Wow that's fantastic! I was supposed to take a trip to Seattle to visit derek's brother/sister in law/nephew in may (and run a half) but they are now moving to Texas. My cousin lives way north in Washington but I've never been. Maybe one day I can come run a half there and visit!! I will miss you though!! How exciting!
Good luck!!!
We'll miss you in the Midwest but I'm sure following your PNW adventures will be amazing!
I still have yet to visit Seattle, but it does sound pretty wonderful (you had me at craft beer). Good luck in your new home! There's something kind of cool about starting fresh somewhere new :)
So excited for you!! I miss moving around, making home a new place all the time. Hubby refuses to live anywhere but Peoria, IL. So drab!! I will thus live vicariously thru you! Keep sharing your adventures!
Good luck in your new adventure!
Oh my goodness!!! CONGRATULATIONS, Kelly!!! We'll miss you here but I am so excited for you to start a new chapter in your life! I can't wait to hear more details about all of your new adventures!!!
Congrats on your new adventures!!!!
I love Seattle! All the best with your new adventure!
Super exciting!! Wishing you happy new beginnings and can't wait to come along via your blog :)
How exciting. Good luck with the move :)
So exciting!
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