Portland Reflections

Only two days left before I leave the West Coast and head back to the Midwest. When I moved here nearly three years ago, I certainly had a very different picture in my head about how it would all turn out. I moved here because I thought it would be a great step up in my career as a tv journalist. Instead, it turned out to be the most hostile and difficult work experience I have ever had. But, I can say I learned a lot about what never to do as a manager. I also learned I can tough things out when things are bad. For the first time in my life I was laid off from a job. Normally, I would have seen that as a big failure, but it was actually a very interesting experience. Of course, a nice severance package helped cushion the blow, and I was able to take a year off from work. That gave me an even greater appreciation of having a balance between work and life. When the end of your life comes, will you look back fondly on all the 12-16 hour days you worked, or will you remember all of the special moments you had away from work?

I had a one year relationship here in Portland. He really helped me through many of the difficult times at work. We had a lot of really great times together. I was very sad when it ended. But, for the first time, I am friends with my ex, and I know we will remain friends for the rest of our lives.

I am proud of myself for really putting myself out there and moving far away from where I grew up. I realized I really love traveling and seeing other parts of the world.

While I was here, I saw Oregon, Washington and California for the first times. I also took an incredible trip to Hawaii for my birthday--and had two great trips to Las Vegas. I also realized I don’t want to live so far away from my family and friends. When you are close to them, you sometimes get irritated when you have to arrange your schedule around birthday parties or holidays or other special occasions. But, when you’re far away and it’s not as easy to make it to those events you really miss it. My parents don’t live near a major airport, so it makes it hard to fly in to visit them. Now, I’ll be able to make a four hour drive to see them whenever I want.

I found out that I really love living downtown. Downtown Portland is beautiful, and I’ve enjoyed all of my wanderings and discoveries.

I’ve found out when things get tough, there are people you can really count on, and there are people who you just thought you can count on.

I bought a computer for the first time and I started this blog. It’s really been a great tool for me to get my thoughts out and just share things with people from all around the world. I found out that I really enjoy taking pictures and it’s a new hobby I plan to keep exploring.

I also realized that I like watching Regis and Kelly Starbucks is addictive.

In two days I will be heading back to the Midwest, to a job I’m very excited about in a city I love, Minneapolis. I’m sure there will be a whole new bunch of surprises, and this time I go into my move with more realistic expectations, but still with many hopes and dreams of what I’d like my life to be like. I hope I run into many old friends, and I can’t wait to make many new friends. Life is truly an adventure, and mine is just beginning. Cheers to all in Portland, it’s been a ride I’ll never forget.