Portland Bound
The year was 2000. I was 23 at the time and had little idea where my life was headed, except to Nashville, TN. What had begun in San Francisco had taken me through Los Angeles and on to Music City, where I hoped I would find my true place in this world.
And so I did. I worked hard. I took risks. I drank a lot of beer. (A LOT of beer.) And in time I developed some of the closest friendships I have ever had. I have built or been a part of building 9 businesses, invested-in, cheered-on and consulted-with many others, and have seen more highs and lows in the last eleven years than I can count.
And I am sad to be saying goodbye to the only place I have truly called “home” since I was a kid.
This past Christmas I got lost in the snow-covered mountains of Washington state. My mind was erased by towering redwoods, glacial rivers and the joy of spending quality time with my niece and four nephews. In a word, I remembered. This is what life is about.
My bride and I knew at the same time, while driving through Astoria, Oregon, that this was where we wanted to be. We had always talked about moving to the Pacific-Northwest someday, we just didn’t expect for someday to be “today.” It’s a bitter-sweet feeling to know that great adventure lies ahead, while the sadness of missing our friends has already crept in.
How lucky we are though, to live in a time when everyone’s online, seemingly all of the time. Heck, I’ve got quite a few “Nashville friends” that haven’t lived here for years! I’m glad to have a blog that will allow me to catalog the experience, and business partners that trust that they are still in good hands, even though it means working from afar.
This will surely be the first post of many, but know this, Nashville… These have been the best days of our lives and we’ll be back to visit often.
And LOOK OUT, Portland! A fresh blast of awesome is headed your way.
17 Comments
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I vote no.
Will miss you buddy.
Thanks man. One vote for no, two so far for yes. We’ll see how this thing plays out!
Sorry, but I am a no as well and if our furry kids get to vote then you can add 5 more no votes from Abbey, Alice, Bella, Mr. Teddy Pants and Georgie so that makes 6 no votes. Of course, I am sure we could be pursuaded to change our votes….
I think you might change your mind when you come out to visit. Do the dogs like smoked salmon or are they more the “trout” type?
Pinky,
I feel like we’re in our last day of highschool and I’m signing your Yearbook – “Stay cool Pinky, stay in touch”
Seriously though, excited for you guys and the journey ahead. Congrats!
-Brian
Ah, thanks man. It was great having Burcham’s class together and stuff. Keep your hands off my sister and have a great summer, too.
“It is the man (and his bride) that realizes the truest form of living in his (and her) lifetime, the wonderment of creating change.”
-HV
Do it, do it, do it and enjoy.
That’s beautiful, Heather! Thank you for the fabulous words of encouragement.
Ah $%#%! Congrats, man! I love Pacific NW too. So I get it…
Yes indeed. It ain’t all bad, my friend.
You can’t leave yet! I’m like the only guy that didn’t get a chance to bask in the glory of doing a side project with you. WTF!
Let’s connect via gTalk (my email) to stay in touch.
Ah, come on! Jumpstart was one of the best “side projects” EVAR! But yea, I know what you mean. There’s still hope, my friend. I’m not dead yet. I’m just moving to Portland.
TO BE CONTINUED…
You’ll be missed, but you are moving for one of the best reasons anyone can have. Big points for that.
Amen, brother. And thanks. If my family was here, you couldn’t get rid of me with a 12 gauge shotgun, 3 cans of insecticide or really noisy neighbors. “Home” is a strange feeling, I guess. Ya just know it when you feel it, even when you’re happy somewhere else.
You are absolutely one of the luckiest and most blessed people I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting. I’ve been to the Portland area, the mountains and the whole northwestern atmosphere is just hypnotically beautiful. Giving that opportunity it would take very little persuasion to do the same and just go off and be a squirrely hermit up in the woods. Just make sure there’s a good school system nearby.
I wish you and your new family safe travels and a happy life, oh and don’t feel the bears. They come back…
You and Laura will both be missed here, but I’m sure your family is looking forward to you moving there. Nashville has its own beauty, but there ain’t nuthin’ here to compare with the mountains and especially the redwoods – it’s a spiritual experience. Congrats to you both. And don’t forget to write…
Wow…I am so excited for you guys! What an amazing adventure! You know I love you and wish you all the best. Looking forward to seeing and hearing all about the new adventure and drinking LOTS of beer on our visits!
J