No·mad (noun)
1. a member of a people or tribe that has no permanent abode but moves about from place to place, usually seasonally and often following a traditional route or circuit according to the state of the pasturage or food supply.
2. any wanderer; itinerant.
A true nomad, I am not. A wanderer? Maybe.
Since graduating from college in 2003, I've lived in 6 cities, 4 states (or 5 if you count "taxation without representation" as a state, yea!) and 11 "residences." That's right, Blacksburg VA to Augusta GA to Tampa FL to Durango CO to Atlanta GA to DC, where I currently live. But, alas, the count is about to increase to 7, 5, and 12, respectively because I'm MOVING AGAIN! This time to the magnificent (or so I hope) state of Minnesota! Or shall I say the magnificent city of Minneapolis! (I tend to get less dramatic reactions from the latter).
This move feels particularly "big"/terrifying/exciting for several reasons, the first being that I've never lived in the Midwest. In fact, to date, I've visited Minnesota twice. Well, visited once, and drove through once (when I was 9?). I can also count on one hand the number of people I have met that live in Minneapolis (also applies to the entire state). And winter essentially starts now. Thats kind of a lot, folks...and that's just scratching the surface. I'm sure I'll cover the rest throughout this blog.
That said, I love an adventure! There's something so fun about picking up, moving, and starting all over. Maybe its the challenge...or the unknown of what's around the corner. Whatever it is, I like it! After all, what could be more exciting (often synonymous with terrifying) than moving thousands of miles away from your family and dear friends to a new city, new culture, new people, new work, and even a new work setting? Doesn't get much more exciting than that...except maybe moving abroad. Hmmmmm :) For now, Minneapolis, I'm looking forward to meeting and spending time with you!
So why a blog? I don't know. It's not that I have anything particularly interesting to say or compelling to share. In fact, I'll be amazed if anyone, besides my mom, ends up following this blog. However, I do try to make the most of life and in doing so, seem to come across some amazing people, places, music, food, and experiences...some of which might be worth sharing.
I also thought it might be a painless way to keep my loved ones updated on the latest in nomads land since, let's be honest, no one's coming to visit from October to May. Okay, and selfishly, what better way to document a journey than with pictures, thoughts, times/dates, and be able to share those moments with loved ones. How neat to be able to create a historical record of life's adventures for myself (or, dare I say, children) to look back, reflect, and laugh at. So the answer to my own question is why not?
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
HERE WE GO!
