I prefer to think of Plan B as an “Alternate X”. It may not have been my first choice but it is no less desirable than the original plan. This year as I’m sure many will agree, has been one of the strangest years of my adult life. I don’t think that anything has gone according to plan. It’s taken quite a while but I’m learning to embrace the uncertainty. There is a magic in the unknown, letting go of control and allowing your mind to accept that some things are just out of your hands. I can’t say that being relaxed in this state comes easily, but it opens space to occupy your mind with other things. I haven’t been working for the last four months, and I have had no issue what so ever filling my days.
At this point in the year I was supposed to be in Wyoming, living at Three Peaks Ranch as a kitchen manager/cook for NOLS. I found out at the beginning of June that my position was no longer available through no fault of my own. NOLS was hit very hard during the pandemic, I sincerely hope that they’re able to recover and maybe next year I can try for that position again. It’s strange thinking about it from where I am now because I was SO excited. Working for NOLS at The Ranch was such a huge goal I set for myself and when I achieved it I couldn’t have been more stoked. Then the world started its slow digression into pandemic land. I’ve talked a little about my life in early pandemic and I don’t really care to revisit it. It sucked, for everyone. And parts of it still suck, the virus is not gone yet, we are required to wear masks into any public building, restaurants are takeout only or 50% capacity. Even if I was still living near Tacoma my brewery does not have the volume to hire me(or any of us) back on right now. Toray has brought back maybe 1/3 of the employees and laid off the rest. I definitely would have been let go, I really hated that job I have no regrets quitting.
Towards the middle of May things finally started looking up, I was able to climb outside again for the first time in months, I got to see my friends again! I can’t even describe how good that was, such a simple pleasure. Quality time is my #1 love language and not being able to see the people I love was really, really hard. While waiting for NOLS to make a decision if they would open The Ranch or not I had to keep my life moving forward. Being a sitting duck is HARD. As hopeful as I was, I was also aware that things have changed. The world has changed.
Long story short, I moved in with one of my favorite climbing partners in Wenatchee! This change of pace has been exactly what I needed. I’ve moved just far enough away that I’m able to build a life that is my own, but not so far that I can’t go and visit my family whenever I want. I also happen to live 30 minutes from my very favorite place, Leavenworth.
Moving into my new home has been amazing. This is the first time I’ve had a roommate as an adult. It’s been a completely different experience, and yet it still has some of the same magic it did as a young person. Being able to share a home with another human that is willing to respect your space, things, and boundaries is extremely refreshing. I got really lucky in finding a genuinely good human that is kind, respectful, generous, and fun to be around. We have a vegan household with a couple of the best kitties in the world. We watch movies, laugh, sing, climb, play with chainsaws, talk about life, and do dumb shit from time to time. It really feels like a perfect fit for me here. In my head I’m still kind of waiting for the ball to drop, but in my heart I don’t think that’s going to happen.
Since moving to Wenatchee I have made a real effort to get out and do what I came here for, BE OUTSIDE. I’ve found a really nice bike trail, hiked up and explored a few of the hills that are right in my back yard, gone out and done bouldering, trad and sport climbing. I’ve learned how to use a chainsaw! I had no idea how much I would enjoy that, felling(dead) trees is REALLY interesting. Very multifaceted. Every tree and situation is different, and the crash when it hits the ground is oh so satisfying. I’ve gotten a locals tour of the city, our neighboring town Entiat, and some of the endless mountain roads in the surrounding area. I have only seen a fraction of what this place has to offer.
I feel so thankful and lucky to be here. This is not at all what I had planned and worked really hard for this past year, but holy cow. I cannot think of a better alternate X. Living out this way has been in the back of my mind for over 5 years now and I finally did it! I have amazing friends here and the outdoors is a giant playground starting 5 minutes from my front door. I have an opportunity to build a life that is my own, that I’m proud of. The work I have to do on myself is never ending, and I’m committed to making choices that are aligned with who I want to be. A lot of life doesn’t turn out how you would expect it to, but that doesn’t mean that it has to be any less. The world gives back the energy that you put into it- Im choosing to be aware of the vibes I’m sending out.
whoscaitlin 