Pack everything. Reserve a POD. Find a new apartment. List the old apartment on Craigslist. Buy boxes. Buy tape. Pack more things. Show the apartment. Take things to Goodwill. Reschedule the POD. Stock up on the cat’s medicine. Schedule the cleaning lady. Show the apartment again. Steam clean the carpet.
This has been my life for the last couple weeks. On August 20th I will be getting in my car and driving to Portland, Oregon. Some of you know I visit Portland quite frequently, but this time, except for an occasional visit, I won’t be coming back.
I decided last November it was time to leave Los Angeles. I set my plans to leave in May 2012, when my apartment lease was up. I had come to the realization I wanted three things in life. I wanted to be three things specifically – a writer, a wife, a mom. For me, living in Los Angeles would not fulfill on these dreams. I want my kids to have a yard and trees like I did as a child. I want to live somewhere it is feasible for me to own a house. And, I miss the rain and green things.
I started taking side work as a freelance writer. I launched this website. I started taking reconnaissance trips to Portland to lay the groundwork for my life there. Then, earlier this month, I was offered a dream job completely out of the blue. I was not looking, it just showed up. One of the companies I have been freelancing for just happened to be based in Portland and they offered me a full-time position. I start my job August 1st and my title is “Resident Writer.”
In a very short period of time my life was turned upside down. It became very complicated, but complicated in pursuit of the simple. One of the first things I did when my new job became official was start quitting things here in LA. I quit my other freelance jobs. I quit my kickboxing school. I quit my job working on an MMA fight promotion. I quit my dentist. I spent an hour calling and emailing people telling them what I could not do.
It was quite possibly the most fun I have had in a long time.
It felt good to streamline. I realized the best part is I get to choose what I put back in. Of course, I always had that choice, but picking up things here and there along the way you don’t realize what a clutter you have made of your life. Now I get to be intentional.
When this moving process began I made two commitments to myself.
- This is going to be fun.
- I am not joining anything new until September.
Packing is fun. I don’t say that facetiously. Packing is fun. I love throwing things out and donating to Goodwill. I am going to have a party to pack up the POD come moving day. I am truly looking forward to the sixteen hour drive. I am going to have two and a half days to do it and take my time. Provided my cats don’t meow in the back seat the whole way.
I have a list of projects on the backburner. Things I will consider taking on once I settle into my life in Portland. Not until September, however. And even then, I am committed to my life having time for reading, for tea, for gardening, for aimless weekend trips around the Pacific Northwest, for sleeping in…and for working on the wife and mom goals.
Becca I hope you get everything you have laid out and more! Happiness trumps all. I loved So Cal and wish to move there some day. One thing that is lacking is that you will be in Portland! I had hoped that I would have at least one friend in the area (even if it was only through the intertube to start! lol)
Awwww, thanks, Bill. Well if you ever find yourself in Portland on a visit, you’ll have a friend up there!
Just join CrossFit LA when you get here, Bill. We’ll all welcome you with open arms.
Fantastic Becca! The power of positive thinking in action and the action of thinking positively demonstrated, or something like that. Like Bill, I too know you through the interwebs. I have always wondered which part of the country I could settle down in and Portland has been at the top of my list. Good luck and hope the best for you and the cats.
Thanks, Spencer! I am torn between wanting to tell people how awesome Portland is and not wanting everyone else to move there. lol! It’s a great town – I highly recommend giving it a visit. Thanks for all the kind words and well wishes!
I can’t wait to see Portland and experience all that is sending you there. Peace, quiet and a cup of tea; good for the soul. Love you.
Yes, I am already looking forward to a visit from you and Dad – we will have lots of fun and eat lots of good food! The weather will be much more to your liking than LA, too.
We moved out of LA a few years ago and (ironically) live in Michigan now (hubby’s career). I had never been to Michigan before as I was born in Boston, lived in Seattle, Colorado, California, Germany, etc. Michigan just didn’t hit my radar. It’s certainly different from LA. Some ways good. Some not so good (mid February). Best of luck Becca. I love the Pacific Northwest.
Thanks! And LOL – yes, the winters are long in Michigan, but I truly loved the spring and autumn there. The colors are just fantastic when the leaves turn. One of the things I love about Oregon is it reminds me of the best parts of Michigan…without all the snow!
Becca: Congratulations on your move! I’m very happy for you – and love the fact that you set your intentions and are following your dreams. An inspiration to all. Plus, you are going back to my ol’ stomping grounds! I lived in Portland for 4 years, before moving to LA. I love the city, the beauty, the green space, the people (still have fabulous friends who are there) and of course, the food! You will love it! I’m sorry I’m missing your going-away party at CFLA (I’m out of town that weekend), but please do keep in touch via FB and hope to visit you there! – Cheers, Shelley
Sorry it’s taken me so long to reply, Shelley – thank you for all the kind words and well wishes. I am loving it up here – it is indeed a great town!