I’ve spent the past couple of months traveling back and forth between Northern CA and Northern NV spending time in my two office locations. Circumstances warranted that I spend time with each of my teams in these locations making me realize that I need to “settle” in this geographic area for work purposes. I had planned to be on the East coast Sept-Oct enjoying the fall colors and spending time with my sisters, but duty called. Not bad duty, so I’m not complaining. After all, there are worse places to be forced to spend time.

I’ve used this opportunity to further explore where specifically I might want to put down some roots. I really enjoy spending time in Marin County, a bit further from the Bay to avoid some of the chilling fog. I recently stayed in Mill Valley, a short distance from the downtown proper and loved it with all it’s charming shops, a favorite coffee shop and delicious restaurants. I’ve learned that I want to be close enough to a town so that I can walk there and enjoy these types of amenities.

As on offset to Marin, I’ve been staying at lake level in Incline Village and realized how much I have missed my community here; and, living at lake level is quite different than living at the top of the mountain where I lived before. Again, I can easily walk to much of what the town of Incline has to offer. I have enjoyed reconnecting with my friends here; and, with my office being in Reno, I have a reason to get into the city regularly. The commute from Incline to Reno is a beautiful one through the Mt Rose pass.

I haven’t decided whether I will look for a “permanent” home but, then, I told myself I wouldn’t make that decision for at least a year and I’m holding myself to that. However, I am seriously considering Incline to be my “home base”. As much as I have enjoyed the freedom of moving from one place to another, I’ve learned that the downside of that lifestyle is that it’s difficult to maintain friendships and stick to a daily routine of exercise, etc. I haven’t figured out (yet) how to merge structure/routine with the gypsy life.

What are some of the significant things I’ve learned from being on this journey?

Friendships and community are important to a fulfilling life.

I have to live someplace where I am surrounded by nature, preferably able to see trees from my windows.

I can live in fairly small places. If you don’t have much stuff, then, you don’t need much space!

I am not a materialist person. I don’t need to have my own furnishings to feel at home someplace.

I can live with very little. I have been continuously downsizing what is with me in my car. The less things I have, the more freedom I have.

I’m very comfortable being alone even though I miss having key people in my life.

I can live messier than I’ve ever been able to tolerate before. I have had to get accustomed to limited living space and disorganization of my stuff since I can’t always unpack everything (hence, why having less is freeing). One learns what is truly important to have.

It isn’t as challenging as I thought it would be to move from place to place. And, I’m really great at logistics!

My work is a lifeline for me. It keeps me engaged in the outside world, where my tendency is to live on the inside and be reclusive.

So, have I come full circle having left Incline Village to search for a new home only to discover that this is my home? I won’t make that decision quite yet…. at least not until I return from my three months exploring Hawaii which begins November 1.

Stay tuned.