I don't want physical things but..

*Update: After 6 months of attempting to fit into a wonderful boot, I returned them. On the bright side, I went ahead and bought the 35L bag from Groupon. I hope I like it.*

 



Soon I will turn a quarter of a century old. I was thinking about how my “wish list” has changed over the years. It's gone from scooters to footballs to karate gear to craft activity boxes to items to prepare me for life after high schools. For the most part, all of my desires were tangible items and though my “wish list” has tangible items they are far from what they once used to be.

(side-note: I don't wan't gifts but if you do, please only from this list. I've sold most everything else I own and really, really, really don't want things. I will sell it if you do.)

• Volunteer with an organization because you know I would love it if you did.
• Donate $$ if you can't, or in addition to, time. 
• 2 – 3 quick dry underwear
• 2 quick dry sports bras
• 4 quick dry hiking socks
• Quick dry tiny towel
• *30-35L pack w/rain cover and hydration system
• Compressible sleeping bag
• iPod or unlocked phone with wifi and camera
• Amazon gift card
• Thunder tickets (for me and you)...nosebleed section is great
• Paid experiences (such as: this, this or this and that)
• *Hiking boots - waterproof, sturdy and ankle or so high

Has your “Wish List” changed over the years?

I traded in my Chaco hiking sandals for business casual shoes

I feel out of place in a location where I once felt great comfort - my home, Oklahoma. The traffic, city lights, tall buildings, lack of recycling as a norm, trash-filled lakes and no natural beauty to be active within a 20-45min drive is saddening.

My CamelBak is no longer my go-to required item like a purse or wallet is for others. It is hung up just reminding me of what I left and giving me hope that I will use it again. -I should probably clean it at some point.

My Chaco tan is quickly fading not because of a lack of sun (100 degree days) but a lack of outdoor use. There is nowhere for me to hike in the mornings unless I drive a couple hours away.

In a weird way, I'm happy that people haven't been bombarding me with texts and calls. I find it overwhelming when they do after returning from a place without reception.

I think I'm starting to not just understand logically but understand emotionally how my students feel coming from cities such as Harlem and L.A. to live at a school in the mountains of CO - out of place, not centered.


There are MANY benefits of being home: family, not missing birthdays or holidays, watching my nieces and nephews grow up, being there for my best friends and returning to the place I feel most home, my dojo.

I also am fairly certain this move back home will get easier once my new job transitions from training to working on projects in the community. I know I need to keep busy and am addressing this as quickly as possible.
I joined a conversation group to help me improve my Spanish and I help teach twice a week at my dojo. Once I (re)learn how to use and fix a sewing machine, I'll have a great project (my t-shirt quilt) to work on throughout the winter in my evenings.I know change can take time but I don't think I was expecting to feel so distant from a state I once called home.


My next job will be in nature.