I’ve arrived in Washington in one piece. I’m not sure how I did it, but here I am whole. Actually I’ve been here for about 48 hours, but I’ve been too tired/occupied to write much. The trip was.. a trip. Never experienced anything quite like it, and I don’t know that I ever want to again. Lots of driving. Average of about 13 or 14 hours a day for three days, all done by yours truly. My sister came along with, but I only asked her to drive for one or two hours one day.

There is lots to write about, most of which I have no intention of touching with a ten foot pole right now. But I did feel it appropriate to at least write that I had arrived, and I suppose it fits to make some comment about how it feels. Obviously after driving for so long and so far a distance, one becomes a bit tired, but other than that things might not be so obvious. When I entered the Seattle area, I started feeling just a bit excited, which I imagine is probably pretty normal given the circumstances. And ever since arriving there’s just been a sort of strange amalgamation of feelings composed of confusion, respite, sadness, and reverie.

The respite comes from finally reaching the destination that’s been on the calendar for such a long time. That and the feeling that comes with reaching a personal goal. It’s like a weight finally lifted off your shoulders, though I still feel a bit weary from carrying it for so long. Much of the respite also comes from the environment here, which is also responsible for the reverie. It’s one of the things I love about Washington. The forests of evergreens and the big bodies of water that just visually speak of silence and tranquility. I get a certain sense of everything being alright for no other reason than that the environment here exists as it does. Silly, I suppose.

The confusion is also probably something of a natural feeling for someone changing their circumstances to such a degree. It’s not even that I’m confused about anything in particular, but rather that there is a dull, fuzzy feeling of confusion surrounding everything. Like parts of my body are still trying to figure out where they are or something. Sort of hard to describe.

The sadness comes from saying goodbye to a world I had so very well become accustomed to, I think. I love being here, but I can’t help but recognize the lack of familiar comforts and what have you. That and job searching is never an uplifting experience.

All told, I’m happy to be here. There are so many things to look forward to on the horizon now, whereas before there never seemed to be much beyond just finishing school. If Seattle is a beach, I can’t wait to dig my toes into the sand. And oh so many things to write about now, too…