So… I got a new rice cooker. If you have no idea why that is significant, read this first and then come back to this post, a year and a half in the future.
Since I’m averse to using the “s” word (settle), I’m instead going to offer that I’m getting closer to the balance I’m seeking. It’s an everyday commitment. Practice makes progress.
After more than three years of the most epic, challenging, and incredible stint of solo nomadism I could ever have imagined, I decided that 2018 would be the year I would actually return “home” to have a real home base in Montana again. As in, I would be a resident here again, traveling to and from here on a regular basis, having a community again, being here for holidays, birthdays, a rather important wedding, and… getting back into skiing again.
For the first time in four years, I have a physical address of my own. For the first time in four years, I signed up for winter (and I survived in rather unbelievably fabulous fashion, if I do say so myself – I only almost quit once). For the first time in four years, I am not in a rush to hang out with all the friends I can possibly squeeze into my schedule before I leave again. Yes, I’m always leaving again, but for the first time in fours years, I’m coming home again too, sooner than later.
I’m still bouncing around a bit trying to find the right fit of walls and windows where I lay my head at night, but I am slowly readjusting to actually being a regular, active member of a stationary community again. It feels so good. I am ready for it now.
Oh right, the rice cooker…
I am also allowing myself to say yes to collecting “things” again, only the things I need, of course (like another paddle board, new skis, lots of toys… you know, the usual). So, naturally, when my mom asked if I wanted her extra rice cooker, I enthusiastically accepted. I was probably more excited to receive it than a respectable adult who knows how to use a stove should be. Ironically, out of all the designs of rice cookers, this one is exactly the same as my old one, except my old one (which I did give away as soon as I had the chance) had a huge dent in it, and this one doesn’t. Rice cooker 2.0, shiny and new, how fitting.
Despite the many positive elements, this season hasn’t been all rainbows and butterflies for me. Not even close. Transitioning home again after being full-time nomadic for several years took tolls on me in ways I hadn’t expected and am still working through. But, growth is growth, and those pains are pains I’m willing to carry to achieve the balance I seek.
The sun is back out, the temps are *finally* back up, there is light on my favorite running trail until evening again, and soccer and SUP season is right around the corner. AND, I get to go to PATAGONIA on an unexpected trip next month. I’ve so got this. (Stay tuned for more about that very special trip…)
Side note, do you know how good it feels to write like this again? It’s strange to be a “blogger” and “not have time” to write anymore. When I wrote out my goals for 2019, writing personal essay blog posts more often was on my list. Like, really writing, from the heart… about rice cookers.
Like I said, practice makes progress.
