*this photo was technically taken in Canada… which I will still count as the Pacific Northwest…
Although I still miss most things Kansas, I have already come to love so many things here in Bellingham. I am close to the water, close to the mountains, and close to Canada… What more could I want?
A few things I’ve noticed about Bellingham after almost two months of living here:
- I have yet to see a Walmart. I know one exists, but I haven’t seen it. And I’m not surprised… people love supporting local companies here. Luckily I work for one of those.
- Recycling is on a whole new level here. On a regular basis, there are at least 4 options for disposing of waste, though I’ve seen up to 6… Cardboard Only, Mixed Paper, Glass and Plastics, Aluminum Cans, Compostable, or Trash. Taking out the “trash” is now a process.
- There is a LOT of biking going on. Also ROLLERBLADING… adults own rollerblades and use them as a method of transportation and/or exercise.
- “Would you like any bags today?” They do not ask you if you’d like paper or plastic. If you didn’t bring your own bags, you can pay extra for paper bags, and get judged a little… don’t worry people, I recycle my paper bags in the “Mixed Paper” bin
- Smoking seems to be much more common. I think 20% of my office takes smoking breaks which is FAR more than at work in Kansas. Cigarettes. Not weed.
- Canadians LOVE Bellingham. In an unofficial count, I noted that 1 in every 5 cars is from “Beautiful British Colombia”. If you don’t believe me, go to Costco. That parking lot is probably 50/50. Canadian heaven.
In addition to moving, I also recently turned 30. If you know me, you know I had a list of 30 things to do before I turned 30. I didn’t complete them all, however I did complete most of them and it was fun to always have a list of goals to work on. I’ve made a new list (with some carried over) and I am excited about my next adventures. If you have any desire to go to Machu Picchu, Victoria BC, or Cedar Point Amusement Park, PLEASE let me know.
It has been nice to see my family so much more often. With mostly good traffic, it is only 2 hours to my parents’ house and I think I’ve seen them at least every other weekend since I moved here. This past weekend we went to the Utah State vs. University of Washington football game which was really fun.
I’ve also been SO LUCKY to be living near a friend’s family. I knew Maren in Kansas, and her family lives about 5 minutes from me, and they have been so fantastic! I love spending time with them, and they’ve been gracious enough to include me in their family events. Her younger sister is the same age as my sister and my cousin Emma, so hanging out with her has been a blast.
Maren and her new baby while visiting her parents
Lastly, I have really loved this song recently… I was texting Audrey while walking around Kohls after moving here, telling her I would never make new friends, and really just having a pity party for myself, and this song started playing in the store… and in a super cheesy way I felt like God made this song came on to reassure me that I would be just fine, and I could continue building my happy life in Bellingham (cue cheesy/sad Sarah McLachlan song). Note: I am no longer having a pity party… just a party… by myself…
“Just know you’re not alone, ‘Cause I’m gonna make this place your home”