Turning 30, and some pictures
This is a family-friendly email I wrote today, to send to... my family!
Thought I would cross-post it here. There's a link to some photos for those interested.
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This last week saw me turn 30. It is an odd age to turn. I do not feel any older, but it certainly feels like I have crossed some sort of invisible threshold. In terms of modern American social norms, I am no longer a "young man", and now I am just a man. Or a dude, or a guy, or whatever... but I digress.
So I thought I might take the opportunity to reminisce. Don't worry - I'll be brief. I have to read this, too, you know.
Looking back on the past 30 years, I have moved from rural Alaska to suburban Alaska, back to rural Alaska, then to Providence, Rhode Island, and on to Boston, Massachusetts. From there I went west again, to San Francisco, California, and thence north to Seattle, Washington. Which brings me closer to where I grew up than I have been in 12 years.
Lot of costal living, there.
I hated school until I got to college (Brown University, that is) - and then I loved it. Majored in physics, and followed a disjointed career path from rocket scientist to theoretical physicist to environmental consultant. I never actually WAS a rocket scientist or theoretical physicist. I was just on the path to be one for a while.
Along the way I've had a few memorable jobs and a few forgettable ones. I've been stable where I've settled, and somehow managed to pull through the transition periods. Much thanks to the grandparents in Martinez, CA for help with the last one.
So here I am. Currently in another one of those transition periods, but I think things are going in the right direction. When I stop and think about it, I am happier now than I can remember being, ever in my life. Partly this is because of my partner, Maeghann (pronounced Megan, she chose a more Scandinavian spelling). I will risk sounding mushy for just long enough to say she is probably the best thing that come into my life, yet. She is wonderful, loving, supportive, beautiful, and keeps me on my toes. We manage to be there for each other, without getting in each other's way - a delicate balance I appreciate profoundly.
The other part of why I am happy, is that I know which direction I want my life to go. I may have come to it by trial-and-error, but hey. I'm 30, and I have a goal. It is just the path to get there that is a little uncertain. Still - if you know where you are going, you may find many paths to get there.
I am feeling the need to be productive... as in, to produce something of tangible value. I have burnt out on abstracted politics and jobs that exist only to perpetuate themselves. I want to live closer to the ground, so to speak... to be able to see and feel the results of what I do. Maeghann and I have discussed getting a small homestead, having an orchard and bees, and making delicious mead and cider. It's a goal.
I am, at least, making mead! This is not making money yet, but it is still one of the most rewarding projects I have ever embarked on. I am making something I love, and that other people love, and that I consider a true CRAFT - I expect my mead will just get better with experience. As a footnote, I am bottling the first two batches this weekend! (But it still takes 6 months to age, so I won't be drinking it yet).
So... yes. Things are moving, and moving in good directions no less!
I hope all of you are well.
Oh! I nearly forgot. I took some pictures a few days ago, and uploaded them using J Album - the first time I've tried it. Here is the link:
.
With love,
~Cole
Thought I would cross-post it here. There's a link to some photos for those interested.
--------------------------------------
This last week saw me turn 30. It is an odd age to turn. I do not feel any older, but it certainly feels like I have crossed some sort of invisible threshold. In terms of modern American social norms, I am no longer a "young man", and now I am just a man. Or a dude, or a guy, or whatever... but I digress.
So I thought I might take the opportunity to reminisce. Don't worry - I'll be brief. I have to read this, too, you know.
Looking back on the past 30 years, I have moved from rural Alaska to suburban Alaska, back to rural Alaska, then to Providence, Rhode Island, and on to Boston, Massachusetts. From there I went west again, to San Francisco, California, and thence north to Seattle, Washington. Which brings me closer to where I grew up than I have been in 12 years.
Lot of costal living, there.
I hated school until I got to college (Brown University, that is) - and then I loved it. Majored in physics, and followed a disjointed career path from rocket scientist to theoretical physicist to environmental consultant. I never actually WAS a rocket scientist or theoretical physicist. I was just on the path to be one for a while.
Along the way I've had a few memorable jobs and a few forgettable ones. I've been stable where I've settled, and somehow managed to pull through the transition periods. Much thanks to the grandparents in Martinez, CA for help with the last one.
So here I am. Currently in another one of those transition periods, but I think things are going in the right direction. When I stop and think about it, I am happier now than I can remember being, ever in my life. Partly this is because of my partner, Maeghann (pronounced Megan, she chose a more Scandinavian spelling). I will risk sounding mushy for just long enough to say she is probably the best thing that come into my life, yet. She is wonderful, loving, supportive, beautiful, and keeps me on my toes. We manage to be there for each other, without getting in each other's way - a delicate balance I appreciate profoundly.
The other part of why I am happy, is that I know which direction I want my life to go. I may have come to it by trial-and-error, but hey. I'm 30, and I have a goal. It is just the path to get there that is a little uncertain. Still - if you know where you are going, you may find many paths to get there.
I am feeling the need to be productive... as in, to produce something of tangible value. I have burnt out on abstracted politics and jobs that exist only to perpetuate themselves. I want to live closer to the ground, so to speak... to be able to see and feel the results of what I do. Maeghann and I have discussed getting a small homestead, having an orchard and bees, and making delicious mead and cider. It's a goal.
I am, at least, making mead! This is not making money yet, but it is still one of the most rewarding projects I have ever embarked on. I am making something I love, and that other people love, and that I consider a true CRAFT - I expect my mead will just get better with experience. As a footnote, I am bottling the first two batches this weekend! (But it still takes 6 months to age, so I won't be drinking it yet).
So... yes. Things are moving, and moving in good directions no less!
I hope all of you are well.
Oh! I nearly forgot. I took some pictures a few days ago, and uploaded them using J Album - the first time I've tried it. Here is the link:
.
With love,
~Cole