It occurred to me that I’ve been a resident of the state of Oregon for little over a year now. I actually moved here a year ago sometime last week, however, I don’t recall the exact date. Looking back I find moving here was one of the best decisions of my life.

Heather and I were very fortunate to have the opportunity to move on my employer’s dime. I had expressed an interest in moving out here (we both wanted a change of lifestyle) and my employer said ok. Quite frankly having someone pickup the tab for all of your moving expenses and hiring a crew to pack up and move all of your stuff is the way to go. If anything we were spoiled by how painless the entire experience was. It should make moving into our new house by ourselves a shock.

Anyways we are both quite happy with our new adopted home. It seems life in the Pacific Northwest affords a multitude of opportunities to explore and there is no end of things to do in and around the city. Being an hour and a half away from the Pacific coast is a blast as well. I also enjoy the temperate weather and I don’t miss the snow. I also enjoy the abundance of coffee and espresso at nearly every store.

After a year this feels like home to me. I’m still in the process of assimilating the local culture and becoming an Oregonian. I know I haven’t totally adapted as some of my Midwest habits still persist. When looking for an ATM I still ask people where the “TYME” machine is. This is usually met with a confused blank stare. I also don’t have the pronunciation of the local cities down 100% yet. I find it amusing that people say Heather talks with an accent (which pisses her off). Even more amusing to me is that they claim I don’t. I also haven’t acclimatized yet. It still baffles me how people can think 80+ degrees without humidity is unbearably hot, or how 40 degrees is freezing.

In retrospect it was a major life change – but a change for the good. Right now I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather live.