Goodbye Washington, DC. Hello Colorado.

It’s my birthday month and I’ve got some exciting news to share!

Back in January I made a promise to myself that 2015 would be the year to leave everything and travel. To take advantage of any opportunity to discover this beautiful planet. I certainly have traveled, exploring more countries + states in the USA this year than ever before. It has been absolutely incredible and I don’t plan on stopping. With that said, I’ve been seeking a big change since I went to Western Australia (WA) last June. While WA is still where my heart is (priority to move there in 2016) I am trying to plan less and seize new opportunities as they come. Opportunities that I hadn’t really thought about before. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go and see what happens. And with that… I’M MOVING.

In 20 days (ah!) I will be in New York loading my stuff into a POD. The end of the month my mom and I will be driving across country to Colorado with both our fur babies, Cody and Sammy.

The journey never ends

“I have come to accept the feeling of not knowing where I am going. And I have trained myself to love it. Because it is only when we are suspended in mid-air with no landing in sight, that we force our wings to unravel and alas begin our flight. And as we fly, we still may not know where we are going to. But the miracle is in the unfolding of the wings. You may not know where you’re going, but you know that so long as you spread your wings, the winds will carry you.”  ― C. JoyBell C.

This quote couldn’t describe the last 2 years better. Some say I need to come back to reality while others call me a gypsy now. Either way, it doesn’t bother me. Although not really knowing where you’re going can be overwhelming, it’s also thrilling.

The journey never ends. Your whole life is a journey, made up of experiences. It’s your choice whether you restrict yourself to living through similar experiences or if you put yourself out there and chase new ones. I’m chasing new experiences and saying yes to new adventures!

Lindsey, I still love this graphic you made and it’s coming with me to Colorado 

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Leaving the DC area…

Washington, DC

My freshman year of college (RIT) I moved to Rochester, NY but other than that I’ve always lived around the DC area, from Northern Virginia to Maryland. Have you been to DC in the spring? It is stunning. No doubt this is a wonderful place and thriving area, and with family + friends it’s a home that I love. I’ve never really felt connected here though.

For all pictures: click on one to bring up a slideshow gallery


Maryland

Next week it’ll be two years. Two years since the home I grew up in was sold during my parents divorce + my lease was up on the house I was renting + left my full time graphic design job. Two years since I moved from my childhood home in Northern, VA. Two years since I moved into a brand new house with my dad and brother (posts on my old website here, here and here). At the time, it was a mix of emotions and really rough summer. I wasn’t sure how to feel about Maryland. Can’t believe that was all two years ago!

Now I can honestly say moving here was a decision I don’t regret and has been wonderful. Although I was ‘moving back home’, and MD was a big change from VA, it’s worked out really well. The start of a new chapter… moving on after the divorce and buying a new home (loved decorating it). I’ve had my own space and the flexibility to focus on freelance work, traveling and my new venture (Adjust Your Focus™). I’ve been able to spend time with my dad and brother, building stronger relationships. We’ve grown very close and I’m so grateful for this time together! I’m also grateful that I will always have my own room here, decorated just as I left it. If things don’t work out, no matter where in the world I am, I know I can come back. It doesn’t matter if it’s for a week or a year. There is comfort in knowing that and I’m so fortunate to have that option (thanks dad!).

For all pictures: click on one to bring up a slideshow gallery. Note, how funny is Sammy?? He’s used to me and all my pictures, as I was taking these he followed me around to each room.


Heading to Colorado…

Denver, CO

Although I have gotten used to seeing my dad and brother often, I’m ready for a change and am now looking forward to spending more time with my mom and sister! After the divorce my mom moved back to New York, where most of her family is. My sister, Allie and her husband, Brian moved out to Colorado after graduating from medical school and are now in their second year of residency in Denver. My mom decided she wanted to start a new chapter out there this year, and has been trying to convince me to come too. Well, I guess she was finally successful because I’m coming! A week after returning home from exploring Europe I was off on a USA road trip with my mom out to Colorado (so many posts on those adventures coming). How crazy is that? We went hiking (pictures below), looked at some complexes and signed a lease! It’s a lovely apartment with mountain views, walking distance to restaurants, shops and parks + 10 minute drive to the city.

Having visited Colorado a few times, I know it is a beautiful state… but my heart is in Perth, WA still. You never know what will happen though, so why not try it? In some ways this feels like a stepping stone to Australia. Yes, I am with family but CO will still be a huge change. I don’t have any friends there yet and I’m moving from a large house into an apartment. I’m leaving my car (Mr. Acura that I love) in Maryland. There will be more financial responsibilities and things to get used to, but I’m looking forward to a change of scenery, pace and everything that comes with a new place. Lots of exploring and hiking will definitely be happening, and perhaps learning to ski this winter. Most of all, I’m looking forward to spending more time with Allie (we haven’t lived close to each other since high school).

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For all pictures: click on one to bring up a slideshow gallery


CHEERS to Colorado!

Do you live in the Denver area or know someone there? I’d love to connect. Those who have been, what are must do things? Have you made a big move, not knowing if it was the right thing at the time, but are so happy you did? I want to hear your story. Comment below.

The next 20 days are going to be crazy with packing, finishing freelance work, packing, get togethers and more packing. I won’t be having a moving party or anything like that, but would love to see as many of you before I move as I can. Message me.