The End.

It’s been almost two months since I arrived back home in the Pacific Northwest.

My final week of Sheboygan life, I didn’t post much of the day to day monotony. I was too busy packing up, and frankly, I lost my desire to share as I focused my efforts on returning to my old life.

I still can’t believe that I lived in Wisconsin for 3 months. Me. The girl that spent the first 25 years of her life living in the same city that she was born in. The one that hadn’t traveled on her own up until a year and a half ago.

But, I did it. I shopped at the Piggly Wiggly, went walking along Lake Michigan in a lightning storm, attempted to purchase an air conditioner, ate many many cheese curds, discovered that I enjoy drinking an Old Fashioned on occasion… I have so many great memories of people, places and food.

My travels to Sheboygan were work-related but I had no idea how much living there would affect me personally. I made some wonderful friends, but I also learned a lot about myself. I learned that I could live away from my parents and still be happy. I learned that I could live away from Washington and still be happy. I learned that I could have a plastic outdoor table set in my kitchen and still be happy. :)

I created new friendships that I hope will last for many years to come. I learned that it’s okay to rely on these friends to rescue me on occasion. ie: Debra and Paul stopping by with everything I’d need to last for several months – a bed, microwave, some furniture, food, radio, towels, etc. Kim and Adam Titel coming to save me when I locked myself out of my apartment in a storm, Kim Titel picking me up when I decided to walk somewhere that was way too far away and got caught in a storm… hmm… I’m detecting a theme. Most of these situations involved Kim Titel and a storm! :)

I also felt more connected to coworkers that I had communicated with online or over the phone. There is something about talking to people face to face and getting to know them as individuals. It enhances later phone/email conversations with a familiarity that I enjoy.

Often, a memory from my Sheboygan life will pop into my head at random moments. I wish that I could walk out to a dock on Lake Michigan and just sit. I miss picking up a treat at Johnston’s Bakery. I miss the steep stairs up to my apartment. I miss hanging out with the people that became part of my day-to-day life.

I can certainly say that this trip changed my life. It gave me confidence in a way that I didn’t expect. Soon after returning home, I made plans to move to a new city, 3 hours away from my hometown. I don’t think I would have had the guts to do this if I hadn’t spent those months in Wisconsin first. So, now I’m exploring a new city: Vancouver, Washington. The adventure continues.

It was an experience that I won’t ever forget and I’m glad that you joined me as I explored Sheboygan. Thank you.

Affectionately,

Jenna