Now that I am solidly living in my middle life years, sometimes it is fun to think back and reflect on life choices I made when I was younger. The story I am thinking of today occurred when I was in my mid-20s and decided to move to Aiken, South Carolina. Looking back, I am not sure if it was my naive confidence or incredible luck (perhaps a mix of both) that made pivotal inflection points of that journey go in my favor. I know for sure that was it was one of the best life choices I have ever made, and it greatly influenced the direction my life would take.

At the time, I was a reporter for the Daily Citizen, a small rural newspaper in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. It was a great opportunity, but after a few months on the job, I realized my heart was not in reporting. I moved to Wisconsin from my home state of Washington specifically for that job and to be nearer to my extended family, but I didn't have anything keeping me there other than that. Between the reporting gig that was killing my soul and the harsh mid-west Winters that were killing my mood, when the option of moving to a warmer climate presented itself, I didn't hesitate.