Now that paperwork is flying and signatures are drying, I am pumped to announce that my next home will be:

keep going…

Juneau, Alaska!

I’ll tell you more about Juneau as the research unfolds, but for now here are a few things you need to know:

1. It’s not as cold as you think. It’s relatively temperate because of its location on the water (average highs in the 60’s in the summer, average lows in the 30’s in the winter)
2. It is not dark 24-7 in the winter, or light 24-7 in the summer. It’s farther south than mainland Alaska, so there isn’t total darkness. In the winter the days are pretty short, and in the summer the days are pretty long.
3. It is impossible to get there by car. It is an “island” in that it is surrounded by water or terrain that has not yet been tamed by a highway, so everything arrives there by boat or plane. Stay tuned for what this means when I actually move.

Building excitement!

This move is pretty exciting for professional and personal reasons. Here are some of the things I’m looking forward to:

• My wildest imagined adventures.
• Adventures I can’t even imagine yet.
• The opportunity, and responsibility, to lead a team of engineers overseeing projects and programs all over the state of Alaska. I’m excited to see projects all over the state, and learn about their unique program.
• Making new friends at work.
• Water! I have missed living near water. Kayaking sounds delightful. Fresh fish sounds delicious.
• Pristine, quiet outdoors. No fighting with traffic to enjoy nature.
• Photography opportunities. Scenery. Wildlife. Night time.
  Northern lights!
• Hiking at sea-level (instead of at altitude). Mostly my lungs are excited.
• Learning new outdoor activities! Fly fishing? Boating? Snowshoeing? Cross-country skiing?
• Casual dress code.
• Excursions and mini-adventures to nearby islands and towns.
• National Parks.
• Ferry ride from Washington to Juneau on the inner passage.
• Whales! Bald eagles! Salmon!
• Xtra tuffs.
• Being a host and tour guide for visiting friends and family.
• Bears.

Lingering doubts, fears, and misgivings

All that said, in quiet moments of the day I have doubts. I think it’s only fair to include those as well. Here are some, in no particular order, rational and irrational, that have been swirling around in my head:

• The 20%. There’s always about 20% of me that doubts every decision I make, and how it will impact my future.
• I’ll really miss a few select items at Trader Joe’s. Where will I find almond meal or cookie ice cream sandwiches?
• Everything I buy will be more expensive when I get there, so I should stock up now! Shopping spree!!
• It’s going to be expensive to get back to the “mainland”. Like, really expensive. I’m going to blow all of my money on transportation.
• My life is going to be totally different there. I need new things for my new, adventurous life (I’m making an Amazon wishlist to get out my urge to shop without actually buying anything).
• I have to make friends all over again, ugh.
• I’m going to miss playing with puppies at the animal shelter.
• I’m not going to realize my potential as a Denver improv sensation.
• I’m going to miss my friends at work.
• It’s going to be humid and I’ll be allergic to everything and I’ll be sweaty and unable to breathe.
• I’ll miss Denver’s nearly perpetual sunshine. I’m going to be depressed in the dark winters and cloudy summers.
• I’ll miss out on all of the cool stuff I didn’t do here in Denver yet.
• I’m making a huge mistake, everyone wants to live in Denver, and I do.
• I have to deal with moving paperwork, inventories, claims, missing and broken things, etc.
• I’m really going to miss how quickly my wet clothes and towels dry.
• Road trips will be different. Can’t drive anywhere from Juneau.
• I have so much to do before I move. I need to make a list. With color-coding and deadlines. Would a project schedule be overkill?
• Why do I feel like I need to move and start over again? Will it be hard this time? Will I keep doing this every 3-5 years for the rest of my life? When will I know I’m home? Will I ever be home?
• Should I buy or rent? How much house can I afford? Do I want to get into DIY minor renovations? Would that be fun, or a drag?
• Is this the time to become an air bnb landlord? Can I write off furniture as business expenses?
• What do I want to be when I grow up?
• What is “is”?
• Bears.

Let the planning begin!

As you may imagine, this isn’t your standard day trip move. I’m in the process of some elaborate planning. Stay tuned for more info about what I’m up to, and what the journey will be like.