2 Hours vs. 5 Months

It takes two hours and some change to fly from Los Angeles to Seattle. Beginning at the Mexican border and ending at Manning Park on the other side of the Canadian border, the Pacific Crest Trail will take me more than five months to complete. As I compare the two modes of travel, I am bewildered. One has become so convenient, easy, and commonplace. The other will test me in unimaginable ways, push me to my limits, and provide an experience so rarely understood. While I am thankful for both, I long for the five-month journey where only my feet can take me.

Smoked a Turkey

I have been grilling for years but wanted to test my cooking skills in new ways. So, several years ago, I received a smoker for Christmas. Within days, I was attempting ribs, brisket, and a whole chicken. With those challenges and delicious cuts of meat underneath my belt, I decided to attempt the Thanksgiving turkey. At the outset, I was excited and nervous. I was excited about trying something new but nervous about screwing up Thanksgiving. You know, Turkey! The holiday centerpiece… That thing everyone spends all year thinking about eating! After hours of research and preparation, I got to work. Below, is my final result. Needless to say, I had a hit on my hands.

Cinebarre  

Spend any significant amount of time in the Seattle cinema scene and you will hear about Cinebarre in Mountlake Terrace. With extra comfortable seats, mixed drinks, beers, and restaurant-quality food delivered straight to your seat, it is a unique cinematic treat deserving of a special night out to change up the routine. For casual moviegoers, it is perfect. For dedicated cinephiles, you will more than likely find the environment distracting and overly stimulating. Beyond that, I cannot recommend it enough and find myself planning my next adventure.

Brandon’s Friends

Brandon was not in Los Angeles long enough to make real and lasting friends. Life and all of its stresses made it nearly impossible. When we made the decision for him to move back to Seattle, I let him go with the hope he would be able to reconnect with longtime friends and make new ones along the way. My Thanksgiving trip was evidence of hope turned into reality. As I watched with amazement as he interacted, laughed, and shared, I found myself filled with joy. Choosing to endure a long-distance relationship is no easy feat, but at least Brandon is not doing it alone.

Seattle U Friends

At Seattle U, I made friends who will last me a lifetime. As a cohort committed to working in the nonprofit sector, I learned so much and valued each moment spent in their collective presence. When I think about my time in Seattle and look forward to moving back, it is these friends with whom I cannot wait to reconnect. I cannot wait to hear of the difference they have made, how their families have grown, and what they are planning to do next. Friends like these are why I cannot wait to move back to the Pacific Northwest.

Soon, Seattle Forever

In the blink of an eye, Seattle will be home again. Soon, I will find myself dining in her restaurants, drinking in her bars, and lost in wonder at her magnificent views. Soon, the Seattle International Film Festival will be my annual event. Soon, these hiking trails where I cut my teeth will know my feet again. Soon, I will reconnect with friends and build new relationships. Soon, I will find work that matters and a career. Soon, I will be home, and all will be right in the world.

Be good to each other,

Nathan

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