Shortly after graduating from college, I took a job as an office manager for Golden Rule Inurance in Memphis, TN. Training for the job took place in Indianapolis, where I met a man who lived in VT. I worked in Memphis for a while and kept in contact with the VT guy. He convinced me to move there and live with him. I agreed! This was impulsive, unwise and totally out of character for me. Up to this point, Indiana had been my only home. In VT, I met an interesting mix of people. The Newhart Show is pretty spot on if you want to get an idea of what I mean.
This dive into living in a place so very different from my home was good for my development. I learned to appreciate a wide variety of people and lifestyles from the rich New Yorkers who built vacation homes there to the people who lived in the mountains and only came into town to buy groceries. I learned much about the kindness of strangers. I lived on a steep dirt road and drove an Oldsmobile 98. I was frequently stuck in snow in the winter and mud in the spring. A kind neighbor used his tractor to pull me out of the side of the road more times than I can remember. I didn't stay in VT long. I guess I discovered I like Indiana because I have lived here ever since, but so many of my experiences during this wild adventure have stayed with me as unique and impactful.
This was beautifully written, Justin. As someone who traveled for a significant amount of time pre-covid, I agree...I wonder what are the risks of standing still. My journey changed my life from the inside out and I wouldn't trade those years for anything!
Thank you Kristi! The pandemic really did allow us to see what near total isolation looks like for many of us and the many drawbacks of being confined and how important the freedom of movement is to everyone. I hope we do not have to see something like that again in our lifetimes. Thanks for chiming in and sharing your thoughts!
I've always thrived with a touch of uncertainty and risk. My whole life and career as a writer is a reflection of that. Throw me in too much stability and predictability, I get bored and fall apart. Sometimes you have to test yourself and go down those paths to find who you really are.
Absolutely! I remember taking a lot of risks when I was younger and very glad I did because they all came win solid lessons. I imagine that over time most of us tend to become more risk averse as we become consumed by many obligations and familial responsibilities. So the challenge I'm starting to see for myself as a I approach my 40s as a father and husband is to learn what risks I'll be willing and able to take as I age.
Probably weathering all the Bloomington traffic during the upcoming eclipse should we have to venture out during that time...you know how I feel about crowds. Haha!
I think we'll be starting small with getting Walden acclimated to smaller adventures so hoping to try an overnight backpacking trip on the Tecumseh Trail this fall. Hoping to then start to finish the remainder of the Appalachian Trail in two-week excursions in the next few years.
Shortly after graduating from college, I took a job as an office manager for Golden Rule Inurance in Memphis, TN. Training for the job took place in Indianapolis, where I met a man who lived in VT. I worked in Memphis for a while and kept in contact with the VT guy. He convinced me to move there and live with him. I agreed! This was impulsive, unwise and totally out of character for me. Up to this point, Indiana had been my only home. In VT, I met an interesting mix of people. The Newhart Show is pretty spot on if you want to get an idea of what I mean.
This dive into living in a place so very different from my home was good for my development. I learned to appreciate a wide variety of people and lifestyles from the rich New Yorkers who built vacation homes there to the people who lived in the mountains and only came into town to buy groceries. I learned much about the kindness of strangers. I lived on a steep dirt road and drove an Oldsmobile 98. I was frequently stuck in snow in the winter and mud in the spring. A kind neighbor used his tractor to pull me out of the side of the road more times than I can remember. I didn't stay in VT long. I guess I discovered I like Indiana because I have lived here ever since, but so many of my experiences during this wild adventure have stayed with me as unique and impactful.
I always love discovering these surprising snippets of peoples' lives. Thank you for sharing this Lisa!
This was beautifully written, Justin. As someone who traveled for a significant amount of time pre-covid, I agree...I wonder what are the risks of standing still. My journey changed my life from the inside out and I wouldn't trade those years for anything!
Thank you Kristi! The pandemic really did allow us to see what near total isolation looks like for many of us and the many drawbacks of being confined and how important the freedom of movement is to everyone. I hope we do not have to see something like that again in our lifetimes. Thanks for chiming in and sharing your thoughts!
I've always thrived with a touch of uncertainty and risk. My whole life and career as a writer is a reflection of that. Throw me in too much stability and predictability, I get bored and fall apart. Sometimes you have to test yourself and go down those paths to find who you really are.
Absolutely! I remember taking a lot of risks when I was younger and very glad I did because they all came win solid lessons. I imagine that over time most of us tend to become more risk averse as we become consumed by many obligations and familial responsibilities. So the challenge I'm starting to see for myself as a I approach my 40s as a father and husband is to learn what risks I'll be willing and able to take as I age.
So, what is the next risk in store for the three of you?
Probably weathering all the Bloomington traffic during the upcoming eclipse should we have to venture out during that time...you know how I feel about crowds. Haha!
I think we'll be starting small with getting Walden acclimated to smaller adventures so hoping to try an overnight backpacking trip on the Tecumseh Trail this fall. Hoping to then start to finish the remainder of the Appalachian Trail in two-week excursions in the next few years.