Dear reader,

(name that song reference…if you know you know)

I write to you while gazing out at the beautiful Lake Washington with the Cascade Mountains in the background on a lovely Seattle sunny day. What could be more fitting of a setting to write about my departure than next to things that make me feel like home!

Over the past few months, I’ve gotten many questions such as, “What are you doing once you get to New Zealand?” or “Do you have a plan when you get there?” Depending on who asks, I give varying degrees of answers. But, as my google doc titled “plan” suggests, the most truthful answer is: I’m thinking about a lot of things, but I don’t know many things. To me, that seems like a great place to start. Anyways, as friends and/or family (and both, really), I wanted to give you all the option to follow along as I figure it all out!

No promises as to how often I write, how much I write, or how much detail I give. I figure that as much as anything, this can give proof of life to my parents and others that might be concerned. Plus, in all honesty, I’m sure I will enjoy sharing details with you all and, at the very least, crack myself up in doing so. What more could you want!

Pre-NZ miscellaneous updates if you’re interested:

Since returning from the great Iceland this summer, I’ve been lucky enough to bop around beautiful places in the US and spend time with many friends (also beautiful, inside and out). I spent a few relaxing days in the bucolic Norwich, VT with @mom and @StepDad_akaBob. Next, I stopped by Boston for a bit, in which I questioned any desire to live in a city and also saw about 90% of my friends who all live in Cambridge. Then, I hit the air-road and flew to Boise, Idaho, where I reunited with long-time friend and life coach @Liv.Sather.** It was honestly such a blast with the bro. Next, I got to spend some time in the San Juans and in the mountain West. Finally, Vermont drew me back with the promise of an epic 5-day bike trip with the one and only @ElizabethGirvan. Despite the fact that I planned the trip in all of 40 minutes, things went (mostly) to plan and it was absolutely splendid. Baked goods and gassed quads every peddle of the way. Finally, I hit willytown for alumni weekend and visited another fantastic ginger (@lelynch) in Portland. I’m not sure if you wanted to hear all of that, but the main takeaway is this: all jokes aside, I am truly grateful for the people I’ve gotten to see and adventures I’ve had. 

My official flight to kiwi-land is on September 30th (eek!). For the logistically-oriented folks, I finalized car insurance, health insurance, phone plan, AND a skiing facebook group today, so rest assured the important tasks are dealt with. For the fun-oriented folks, I have my eyes on many trails, campsites, and possible adventures. If you have recommendations, send them my way!

Okay, I’ve blabbered enough. Totally open to feedback on future writing. I hope you enjoyed!! Truly, I thank you all for your support and friendship (however big or small our conversations might be)! 

See ya on the other side,

Jaquelin

** as many of you reading this are also on the christmas card list, know that we have hit some roadblocks this year, but expect a piece of mail in your inbox sometime in the next 6 months