Summer Plans

Most people have their place of clarity. The place when whatever confusion was obscuring their mind is magically solved. For some, it is the shower. For others, hiking in the Rocky Mountains. For me, it is on my bicycle.  It is on top of my bicycle that I usually plan meals (or rather get inspired to take on ridiculous creative culinary adventures, usually for one). It is on top of my bike that I envisioned the beginning of this blog post. And it is on top of my bike where I made my most recent “big life decision.”

I was riding to Union Square from Harvard for my weekly acupuncture session. I know, that sounds bougie, but it really works to keep me healthy. Anyway, I was riding my bike thinking about my summer plans. This was nearing the end of May. My original plan was to graduate from Harvard at the end of May (with my Masters in Education for those who may not be totally up to date on my life happenings), and start a fellowship in the Bay Area two weeks later. I would pack up right away, drive to Cincinnati, throw a baby shower, fly to San Francisco, move in with Ben, Katy, and Oliver, and show up for my first day. As I rode and thought about the rapid changes ahead of me, I heard one of those inner voices say, “Do you have to do the fellowship?”

Huh. Hmmm. Interesting. So the thing is I got offered a really prestigious fellowship in March. I had gone through four rounds of interviews to get it (and even bought my first suit). And I of course wanted to live in the Bay Area for the summer to be with my family there. It made good sense to do it. Why wouldn’t I do it? I had not once considered not doing it until I was riding my bike that afternoon. I think part of why bike rides are a good time to face complicated matters is because all I am doing is pedaling. I can’t distract myself with Facebook or text a friend for input. It is just me and my thoughts and the road. So, the question hung for a second. I pedaled a bit more. And then the reasons for asking the question started rolling in.

 “I don’t feel done with my work here in Boston. I want to edit my papers down to be published and that would be easier if I can work with my professors here. I don’t have a good match organization at the fellowship yet, and I don’t want to spend my summer doing work that doesn’t speak to my soul. I might be able to continue working for the National Action Civics Collaborative (NACC) for the summer on a contractual basis. I am not ready to say bye to my friends here. I need more time to transition. I could still come to California for less time. Do I really need this fellowship when I already have a Harvard degree and am going on to Michigan Law? The fellowship will mean I can’t go on my family vacation in Minnesota and that I will work right up until I start law school…”

And then the part of me who had not even considered this question before spoke up, “Wait. But I want to live in California this summer. This is such a special opportunity to spend time with my nephew and be close to my brother and sister-in-law. The fellowship comes with a community and professional development opportunities. I haven’t had a real job in a long time—it would be good to get back into a routine. This is a once-in-a-lifetime offer. You don’t turn down things like this."

And then I got to acupuncture. With the needles in me, I shut everything off, and meditated…err fell asleep. All this to say, I listened to that question, talked to all my most trusted advisors, and ultimately decided to shift my plans. 

So, now I write this from Berkeley, California, sitting on a couch with my feet nestled into my sister-in-law’s side. I arrived here on Saturday night. We woke up Sunday and in typical Ben and Katy fashion, were off to the mountains for a glorious hike full of ocean views and Redwoods. While I am here, I am working as a consultant with NACC doing work I am passionate about for a cause I deeply believe in. I make my own schedule and will be able to go on our family vacation in Minnesota. To get to this place...

Terrible picture, but you get the point. We are a family. We hike.

I stayed in Boston a few extra weeks and was able to close out my time at school and with friends with as much peace as can be had (though I am still reeling a bit from leaving the side of my soul sister friend, Ari, who made my life in Boston so unbelievably rich). I may or may not have made the reservation for that dinner at a restaurant in a different city (I thought the name was Il Posto, it is actually just Posto...my bad).

Amazing goodbye dinner with wonderful friends

I took a two-day road trip with a friend from Boston to Cincinnati full of Subway sandwiches, New York camping, and waterfalls. 

Harvey was a trusted companion for the road trip

I spent a week in Cincinnati to drop off my stuff, go visit the Buffalo Trace Bourbon distillery with my brother Adam, his wife Meredith, and my Dad (worthy of its own blog post), have a moment on my Aunt's farm that is for sale and host a baby shower for my childhood best friend, Hilary.

Bourbon barrels

Aunt Kathy and Uncle Bill's farm

It was an elegant, evening affair

This isn't make-believe anymore

And now, here in Berkeley, we are enjoying the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) strike which has meant that Ben, Katy, and I have all been working from home, having gourmet breakfasts, lunches, and dinners together. Oliver and I are finding our rhythm. I know he really loves me because he can’t stop pinching me.

I am feeling lots of gratitude for bike rides, ah-ha moments, supportive family and friends, and the freedom to ride the unexpected waves of life. This is going to be a great summer. I have decided to pick back up the blogging, because as far as I am concerned, California is a different country. Thus, I am working abroad for the summer. That is the stuff of a good blog.