The mountains are calling, and I must go.

That's written on a clock I bought for my mom and dad (hi mom and dad!) as a gift. Hardly stands up to what they've done for me...but it's cute, so it's a start. But more than the call of the mountains, I felt it was appropriate because it's also time.

While moving to Colorado seems a thing full adventure and exploration, to me it means something even more: freedom and possibility. Possibilities lead to adventures and adventures lead to discoveries about places and about yourself. To have an opportunity to go somewhere full of possibility in a place that is mine is very exciting. To live on my own while making my own way in life and in my future is really all I want at this stage of my life. Sure I love the added backdrop of beauty and adventure that the mountains offer, and I think the new landscapes and hobbies I'll pick up because of that environment will only add more dimension to the next part of my life.

I hesitate to call this a 'new start'. In order to have a new start, I feel that something old needs to end, and I don't want the things that I've had in my life up to now to end. I love my family, I love my friends, and I have no regrets about anything I've done while getting to this stage in my life. I love all the memories and experiences I've collected and will guard them jealously. It's not even that I feel I have no opportunities left for me in Chicago. There are millions of opportunities for me in Chicago! I also believe they will still be there when and if I decide to come back. There are opportunities for me everywhere if I make them, and I plan on making some in Colorado for the next 12 months.

I will be working for Starbucks there, a shift supervisor at the store on 31st and Colorado ave. I expect to have tons of adventures in that store with my new coworkers and fellow partners (they have no idea what's coming. :) ) and plenty of adventures outside of any walls too. I'll put the more interesting ones down here, and you can read about them if you like. I'm so excited to start this next phase in my life!

To my family, my friends, and the great city of Chicago: I will miss you.

To future family, future friends, and the city of Colorado Springs: Ya'll ready for this?

Phase 1 of adventure: Packing.