I have been coming to this state my entire life. The first time was before I could hold a thought; a family trip to Disneyland. My second trip was in the 9th grade; another trip to the magic kingdom and the beaches of San Diego. Then again with Matt Patt when I was 20; Vegas, L.A., San Diego and Tijuana. As an aside, you should invite us to a dinner party. We love telling this story. 

Now, at the age of 30, I have returned for the first time in a decade. A great deal has changed in my life. The same could be said for the life of California. These changes, in many ways, run parallel to each other. At other times, we couldn't be more different. 

There was a time in my life when I could have picked it all up and called L.A. home. Though, it would have been for superficial reasons: chasing money or the allure of fame. Choosing Seattle was about feeding the soul and nourishing the mind. No where in the U.S. could have provided that experience like the Pacific Northwest. It has been one of the greatest teachers in my life. 

It is easy to consume oneself with the draw of New York or L.A. I have visited both several times. I get it. Like most things, I don't think humans are built for extreme and ongoing moments of fight or flight. Adrenaline is the drug of choice in our two largest cities. I think we are meant to operate somewhere in between. Most of us are meant to live some other place. Here, we learn geography can define us. It can add value to our life. Where you choose to grow and age should contribute to that value. 

I don't know when I will visit California next. I don't know if I am meant to join the masses and one day call it home. Visiting here does provide joy. It shapes me and my worldview. This is the essence of travel. Not just moments to add to your brag sheet. Moments meant to define you and hopefully for the better. 

Thanks for entering my world, 

-Nathan