So far this summer has been rather mild temp-wise, which makes the transition from the coast to semi-arid easier. Not gonna lie – I really love this desert-esque region of B.C.. Seeing wild cacti really makes my heart happy, and the varying landscapes fill me with so much joy. From the windows of my fifth wheel, the Okanagan Lake spills across the horizon, while hills filled with ponderosa pines rise and fall all around me. I feel genuinely so grateful to live here.

I made the choice to move to the Okanagan, about thirty minutes from Kelowna, for a work opportunity that will help me pursue my future goals. Along with this move, I have experienced a shift in my mental health including social anxiety, which I haven’t experienced to this degree in my twenty-six years. Coupled with the pandemic, moving twice over the last two years to new cities has been a test for me. I have always adapted easily thanks to my parents who suffer from nomadic tendencies of moving every year or so, but as I have grown older, I have become more stable in my living environments, rooting myself in the safety of community.

Vancouver was an easier transition for me. I had lived in White Rock – about an hour from Vancouver proper – when I was 12-14. I knew the lay of the land, and getting to know the area as an adult was a satisfying experience. There’s a comfort in coming back to places years after you’ve been to them, a sort of tangible nostalgia. Living in Langley (also an hour outside of Van), I grew accustomed to a quicker pace of life, and I developed a community while working at Archer CRM for my first “real” job (i.e. a job I got with my degree). The people I met were amazing, like-minded (or, at least like-passioned), and great friends. It was difficult to leave, but the experience was memorable and thanks to cell phones, I can stay in touch through memes and casual “hello’s”.

The Okanagan has been more of a difficult change for me. Though it is beautiful, the people (generally) are very kind, and I’ve become friends with my neighbours, it just doesn’t quite feel like home yet. July marks the fourth month of living here, so I know it’s too soon to really say, but I can feel in my heart that this place is temporary. I have plans to move abroad once this project is over, which I will share once more is secured and fleshed out, but with that on my radar it makes the present tricky to behold.

With that, the photos above are some snapshots of my life since the move. Lots of hikes, cute pups, trying to cook more, and moments in between. It truly means the world that you’ve stopped by. Oh, and remember: you kick ass and I appreciate that you’re here today.

Until next time,

M.

TL;DR: I moved to the Okanagan for work, I live in a fifth-wheel, and life is a beautiful, tricky son of a bitch.