Hi everyone! I'd like to introduce you to my new kitten! He came "home" from the animal shelter with me yesterday. Ain't he just the cutest thing..? He'll be joining me on my upcoming adventures and then we'll settle someplace cozy in the Fall. We're still working out his name, but he's answering to
Natal (nay-TALL) at the moment. (It's geeky, I know, but the way he jumps around really looks like he's playing the video game.)
But let me back up and fill in the last few weeks since I left Peru. It's gone VERY quickly!
It's been nearly a month since I returned to Seattle and I've had quite a bit to process in that time. A bit of free time and reflection made it clear that I had to step away from a series of actions that would lead me to Columbus (and Zach). So... no more plans for a trip to Zach's family cottage on the coast of Maine, and no more plans to relocate to Columbus OH. I'm just taking things day by day and once again I'm searching for my path. My journey continues in unexpected directions. I have a pretty good idea that we'll be back in Seattle before too long.
My journey continues
The great thing about being unemployed and homeless (with a bit of savings in the bank) is that I can do pretty much anything I want. Last week I was able to join friends Denise and John at their time-share condo in
Whistler BC. My 1996 BMW R850R motorcycle desperately needed some exercise and I eagerly obliged, making the 175 mile trip in just over four speedy hours. A few days walking in the woods, lounging by the pool, exploring the
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center made for an awesome trip.
Other than spending time in Whistler, I've been fortunate to have friends with extra living space in Seattle. It's great to have good friends :) Splitting time between the comfy blue sofa at Keith & Sarah's apartment in Redmond and hanging out with new friend Savas in the Interbay area near Queen Anne, I've been living rather comfortably. Both households have indulged my love for cooking and let me share my recent travel experiences through food. I thoroughly appreciate having some choice again over what I eat. While volunteeering with GVI most food was provided, but that meant we ate whatever was our home-stay family ate; sometimes great food, sometimes not so great. Now I can plan, shop for and prepare whatever I feel like. It is SOOO liberating!
After a virtual introduction by mutual friend
Lee Dirks about six months ago, we followed each other's blogs and finally met in person a few weeks ago. Armed with Lee's over-the-top character reference I couldn't possibly have concerns about spending time with Savas, and so far we're getting along really well. He's introduced me to dancing (everything from Salsa to disco funk -- why did I wait 39 years to start dancing!?), some great restaurants in town, and his warm circle of friends. It's great to have another
motorcycle-riding friend in town. And most importantly he's been a willing accomplice in liberating Natal from the animal shelter!!
What's next?
In another week or two I'll have a better idea whether Natal (..?) will be happy traveling in the camper. So far everything looks good, but if not these plans will change:
At the moment I'm planning to head south towards San Luis Obispo to visit Penny sometime before the end of June, then work my way toward Milwaukee by July 12 to visit with my mom and brother Paul, then to Minneapolis by July 18 for the Dressel family reunion. It's possible that I'll make it all the way down to Phoenix before heading to Milwaukee (depending on the cat, the van's air conditioning and the weather). I'm planning to connect with friends and family all along the route.
Other than the dates and locations mentioned above EVERYTHING about my summer is flexible. If you're looking for visit from a crazy camper cat lady, drop me a line. I'll be looking for a hot shower from time to time. Sleepover invitations are always welcome!
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