When I read this, it makes me wish it was October.

Tonight I was rechecking apartment prices and job listings in New Orleans just to keep my finger on the pulse, so to speak, and I came across this article/blog entry that made me long for my adventure to truly begin! I'll link the page at the end, but I just want to share some excerpts that really stuck out for me.

"Music! Don’t even know where to start. The jazz, the creole, the zydeco, the blues – all with venues that are legendary and historic and to die for. I don’t forsee myself getting tired of dba, the Maple Leaf, Donna’s, Spotted Cat, Preservation Hall or for my indie music fix One-Eyed Jacks.

Festivals! Did you know there is actually a festival season? Yup there is. It’s technically in the spring and you just haven’t lived until you’ve eaten Crawfish Monica at Jazz Fest. But that’s not even the tip of the iceberg. Cause really festivals are all year long. Any time there is a weekend a reason to celebrate, people will come together for what they call a “fest.” French Quarter Fest, Mardi Gras, Voodoo Experience, countless smaller fests happening all the time promoting all the good local music and local food New Orleans has to offer. What struck me the most about New Orleans’ festivals when I was there this spring? The sense of FAMILY. Babies and grandmas are out at the festivals, it’s not just about a small demographic of college-aged kids out there listening to music, it’s everyone. And everyone is having a good time.

Culture! From second lines through the streets to sno-balls lines in the summer, competitions with men and women yelling “STELLA!” as loud as they can in Jackson Square to sitting next at Cafe du Monde with a beignet watching time go by, there is no end to the culture in New Orleans. Or the educational opportunities to find out about it, since New Orleans is home to Tulane University, Loyola University and the University of New Orleans."

I don't know about the rest of you, but experiencing all of this, even if in just a small dose, seems like an amazing way to live. I can already feel the energy and spirit of the city and I haven't ever been there! (Now lets hope I don't get there and hate it. :P)

Anywho, just had to share all that. The whole article can be found here.

In other news, I've decided that since I'm relocating to a new region of the country, I need to take advantage of my time left in the west and re-experience what it has to offer. So far this is to include a trip to Yellowstone/Jackson, Wyoming, and hopefully a little SoCal time. If any of you Westerners have any other suggestions for what I should include in my farewell tour, feel free to comment!!

Reaffirming my resolve.

A couple weeks ago I was spending some time with two good friends when they decided to read cards for each other. Having not had my cards read in quite some time(the reason for that is another story entirely) I decided I wanted to have a reading done. I chose a spread that is designed to answer direct questions. My questions was " Is this move the right thing for me to do?". I didn't ask the question because I was doubting my decision, or because I was told it was a giant mistake. Iasked it because I needed reassurance that it was the right thing for me.

Before I go into what the reading told me, I have to explain my view of "reading cards". I don't believe they have any magical power. I don't think they are "evil". I think they simply help you consider your situation and life more deeply. For me, they help me focus on an issue and consider all sides of it. They are an aid for self-realization. The only power they have is the credence you pay them.

Now that I've said that, I'll tell what the reading said.

Basically, it helped me realize that I came to this decision because I am a dreamer and I always have been but I rarely make my dreams reality because I fail to follow through. I was also told that I needed to take the criticism I was receiving and make sure I listened, but didn't let it sway me. I needed to remember where it was coming from so I could understand why it was coming and so I could not hold a grudge against my dissenters.

It went on to affirm that I was making a good decision and that I had prepared as well as I possibly could and that I would have to make sure that I kept my head on my shoulders and didn't lose sight of the larger goals to keep this move successful.

While I can understand that most of the people that will read this entry won't understand why I give this reading any credibility or had it done in the first place, I am just excited that I was able to really come to terms with my decision and understand it in ways I don't know that I otherwise would have.

Procrastinate? Moi?

When I made the decision to keep this blog, I convinced myself that I would keep up with it and have at least one update per week. As you can see, that hasn't been the case. Life and time in general has gotten away from me and now, after a battle the last week or so to even gain access to my account to post an entry, here we are again to read my current thoughts about this adventure I've somewhat foolishly embarked upon.

I say foolishly not because I am disheartened or feeling regret for my decision. I use the word to refer to my naivety to how complicated such a task would be to take on. Completely reinventing your life is messy business. Disposing of the old reveals feelings and attachments that weren't obvious before and can lead to deep introspection and self discovery. I had little notion of just how revealing and difficult this process would be, however I feel that already I am better equipped to survive this adventure than I may have been at its outset.

I'm amazed that the first major step of the plan that I put together to make this dream reality is less than a week away. Moving out of this house that I've called home for over two years, the house that I've become more attached to than any of my previous residences, is the only way I'll be able to save the necessary amount to make this move successful. I do also worry that in my excitement at having very few expenses I'll indulge in frivolous spending and cripple my savings. I guess I'll have to make sure I have a short leash on myself in that department.

All in all, I have to say that this "Big Adventure" is getting off to a great start and I can't wait to see what awaits me when I visit my future city of residence, New Orleans, for my vacation in mid-June.

Momentary Hesitation

This morning, after talking to a good friend about life, the future, and the day to day perks and detriments of life in Vernal, I was momentarily convinced that I was possibly making a giant mistake in uprooting my life and moving halfway across the country.

Then, I remembered why I had made this decision. It wasn't to run away. It wasn't because someone told me to. No, I made this decision because of the adventure, the intrigue and the possibilities that New Orleans has waiting for me. You see, that city and I have a lot in common. We are both trying to rebuild and renew ourselves. We both have a vibrant personality and lots to offer to the world and don't necessarily get the recognition we deserve. We are misunderstood by many and the few that understand and appreciate us for who we are love us for that. We have our flaws, sure, but that is just the reality of the world.

After a long day of soul searching and second guessing, I've renewed my determination to make this move and make it work. If I can do that, then all the little things will work themselves out. Or I'll just force them to. :)

Wow.

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to accumulate massive amounts of junk and not even realize it? As I was going through old boxes that I've moved around with me the past few years, I was shocked at what I had kept around. It turns out that I save EVERY single magazine I've ever purchased. Why do I need a tabloid I bought in 2006? Design magazines from 4 or 5 years ago? Seriously?

Apparently, I do the same thing with clothes. I found shirts and jackets that I bought while living in Salt Lake in 2005. They are in decent condition but don't fit me. Not to mention that they're out of style. The part that gets me, though, is that I don't even remember buying them! They must be really important...

The other little things I found were equally as mind-boggling as to why I would keep them. Screws, old chapstick, gum wrappers...very important stuff, obviously.

Anyway, I'm only about halfway through my collection at this point, but I'm already excited and anxious to find what other treasures await me. :)

"one of the most sinful places on Earth!"

Well, to start off with, I'm writing this to tell ya'll about my big life-changing move from a small Mormon town in Utah to the Big Easy-- New Orleans, LA. Really, this wouldn't be all that interesting for most people, but at 25 I've lived my life never going further than San Diego to the west and Denver to the east. I've never set foot on an airplane and never lived outside of the Mormon Central.

I'm not a Mormon though. Well, according to them I am, but that's because they don't know me. I was raised in the Mormon faith, but as soon as it was my decision that ended pretty quick. See, if they really knew me, they wouldn't want me. I'm gay. I think we all know what that means for my relationship with that church. LOL

Breaking the news of my plans to my extended family(who's Mormon-ness can be seen from space) wasn't as pleasant and festive as I'd imagined. There weren't the supportive smiles and eager questions I hoped for. No, there were just gaping jaws, stern faces, and hysterical laughter. Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence there.

I should have expected this. These people haven't ever made a decision this huge in their entire lives. They have their lives set out for them by the church and their parents. Why should I expect them to understand? I guess I really didn't. My favorite reaction was from my grandma, bless her worrying old heart and steel hips, who quietly told me, as if it were a secret that no one should hear, "Nick, that is one of the most sinful places on earth!" Um, DUH! Then of course, by her standards, anyone not strictly adhering to the "gospel" is a sad lost soul. If only she knew just how well her sweet grandson will fit into his new surroundings....

The second round of getting the news out was much more pleasant. The only sadness was the same I was getting from my close friends. THEY ARE ACTUALLY SAD IM LEAVING!!! It has nothing to do with WHERE, just THAT it's happening! Hooray!! Finally, some form of support!

Now, to be fair to all of the amazing people that have made me feel like I'm even capable of surviving this, I have to acknowledge that I have the absolute best friends in the world. I haven't heard a single word of discouragement aimed to make me feel like I can't do this. So, THANK YOU!!!!