As of right now, the plan is to pack my things, put most of it into storage, and head west to San Diego.

I didn’t want to be writing this. I was hoping that I’d find something at the last minute. But when I look at my finances and all of my options, it doesn’t make any sense for me to stay.

Am I angry? It varies, but for the most part, yes. While I usually take the stance that I am always lucky to have anything at all, I felt truly jipped this time. I fully intended to stay in Boulder for a while. I love this town, I love this neighborhood, and I love the people around me. I needed several months of a steady job to start paying off bills and for some reason it just wasn’t meant to be.

However, I’m comfortable in Boulder. I think I’m too young to be comfortable here. What happens when a person is too comfortable where they’re at is what happens when people settle for things and become complacent. I’d like to spend the rest of my life in Boulder, but not just yet; I want to explore what else is out there and come back some day. It’ll always be here.

So why San Diego? For one, there are more opportunities for my type of work out there. Also, a lovely friend is helping me out by renting her place out to me, and I’m incredibly grateful. I’ve now got friends there — not a whole lot, but I’m good at making new friends — and there are particular people out there with whom I’d like to spend a whole lot more time.

The last time I left Boulder, I knew I was coming back for school. Now I don’t have any other reason to come back besides the fact that I love this town. I appreciated it a lot more when I left it for a while, and it’ll be that way again.

I might have a night out before I leave. Actually, I’ll definitely have a night out before I leave. I’ll at least be out on the town for Halloween and there will be at least one more trip to the Downer. But I hope I get the chance to say goodbye to everyone, and I’ll try my best to see people before I get out of here.

Is this goodbye, Boulder? Not entirely. Just for a bit.

CU Football Game

I’d have to say that it started with President Obama. Eight years that have marked some of the worst years in American politics came to an end with the transition from George W. Bush to Barack Hussein Obama as President of the United States. I had worked a bit on the campaign and contributed as much time and money as I could manage — having been an Obama supporter from the very beginning, it meant a lot to me to see his transition into the White House, as I’m sure it did for many Americans.

It still amazes me that we have a man like Obama in the White House. It’s absolutely incredible.

However, more personally, I’m transitioning into a more independent life. I am working on building the means to becoming completely financially independent, and I’m transitioning out of school and into the so-called working world. I know it’s a tough time right now to get into the ‘working world’, but it’s time for me to make that jump. I’m hoping that, by August, I will be living on my own, paying everything on my own, and working in a job that can support me. I’m trying to be optimistic, but I’m not really getting my hopes up — it’s a horrible economy out there, and I’m not necessarily in a field that will allow a solid job.

As for living situation, I’m beginning a transition right now — I’m looking to move out of this apartment, the place I’ve been in for only about eight months, for various reasons. I’ll be leaving my roommate on good terms, but it’s probably best that I leave and find somewhere else to stay.

I’m also looking at other possibilities. I’m thinking about Peace Corps, which probably wouldn’t happen until the beginning of next year if I apply soon. Considering my grandmother’s age and health, I’m a little worried about departing the country for two years, but Peace Corps is still on my mind. On the less intense side, I will be interviewing with Green Corps, which may take me elsewhere, but hopefully I can find something — anything — here in Boulder. If I can’t find something somewhere in Colorado, I’ll be transitioning out of here. Wherever that will be, I don’t know, but I’m trying not to think too much about it until it actually comes time to deal with it.

It will be all about transition this year, and I’m preparing for more to come.