Many people are afraid when life becomes uncertain; I am embracing the uncertainty that will shape my life in the near future. My previous journeys have all been documented in some form of journal — this journey will be no different. Let me rewind and share the last few days.

I am no longer in Portland. That city has given me so much insight into the real world, along with experiences, compassion, tolerance, and hope (no pun intended). The time has come, however, to start another adventure. I’m nearly done with my education at Portland State and feel confident that I am prepared for the next stage in my life. The weekend I left Portland was hectic, naturally, but relaxing at the same time.

On Saturday, I finished an outstanding project at work, and on Sunday I finished packing. I said goodbye to many people and, at around 8:30, dropped my bed off for a friend downtown. I said goodbye to Marla and hit the road. Just as I was getting onto I-5, my friend Elena called and asked me to stop by the Applebee’s on 217 to say goodbye. Unfortunately, I didn’t know where the restaurant was and had trouble following her directions without a GPS. I eventually found the place and, after some good-natured teasing about how long it had taken, hit the road again.

So why was I leaving Portland at 8:30 — really 9:30 — for a six-hour drive? My mom. She had hinted throughout the day that she would appreciate more time together, and I figured there was no better way to show my appreciation than to drive down a day early. I eventually arrived at around 2:00 a.m. and fell asleep. The next few days were filled with unpacking, packing, and goodbyes. Last night, I went to bed at 1:30 a.m. and woke up to get on the plane at 5:15 a.m.

On the plane, I discussed values and perspectives with the woman sitting next to me for almost the entire flight. Her views were similar to my own, but she also opened my eyes to a few things. She was a well-presented real estate agent, originally from Laguna Beach and now living in Ashland, and I intended to keep loosely in touch with her.

Eventually, I arrived at LAX and was greeted by my longtime friend Ben and his friend Kris. Although it is quite irrelevant now, Kris and I had not moved in the same social circles. Regardless, he quickly proved to have a very warm personality. His sense of humour is some type of blend between Robin Williams and Dave Chappelle — witty yet blunt at times. My underworked abs sometimes ached from laughing at his observations.

This afternoon, we lay on the beach for a while. Ben and Kris had little to fear from the sun, but I needed to remember that too much sun would turn me into a raspberry popsicle. Hopefully, I will be fine tomorrow; I usually am.

This evening, Kris and I cooked steak, chicken, shrimp, and a salad. The salad was quite ordinary; I could have done better.

My parents seem much more supportive of this move, yet understandably worried about it.

I’m now alone in the living room. Ben and Kris are out socialising, but my three hours of sleep have kept me in. I’m getting tired!

I had better bid farewell before it gets too late.

So, alas, goodnight, with more stories to come!

Kelvin