The transient life...

Two months ago, I packed everything I own (once again) into my car, said goodbye to my friends, apartment, and job in Chicago, and headed South. I LOVED Chicago. I have never felt more social and connected and needed in my life. But I cant stay anywhere for too long. This always surprises me about myself. I always shock myself as I can become so comfortable and happy in a place, but refuse to settle for too long as I know there are far too many places out there in the world to explore and see for me to allow myself to stay in any one place for too long.

So I left.

And headed to Western North Carolina for a third stint of working at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. I have been fortunate enough to work for a woman who has gladly taken me back for odd periods of time - 2 months last summer and 6 weeks this time around. And even though I am freezing my butt off at the moment, I love it here. I so badly missed the mountains during my year in Chicago, and have been taking full advantage of the hiking, running, and road biking trails at my disposal.

And in typical Cameron-doesnt-tend-to-plan-too-much fashion, I got here with no place to live. So in my first two weeks, my housing included a family friend's house, a co-workers loft in staff housing, my boss' living room floor, 10 incredible days in what may be the most gorgeous cabin within 50 miles of the gorge - thanks to Matt and the Dennis'!, and, finally, a quaint farmhouse where I lived last summer. I have left everything in my car except for a small backpack with three outfits which I have worn over and over again for the last 5 weeks -thankfully, I dont have to look nice for work and people dont tend to judge. Plus, when the smells around you include steaming pots of hot dog water, I really have to worry too much;). Oh, I know my parents must be so proud! But I just look at it as preparation for the months of travel to come.

I plan to return to Mississippi at the end of this week. I will spend a few days with my mom in Oxford and then head to Jackson to get everything together, vote, and then get the hell out of dodge!

For now, I am trying to take advantage of my flexible schedule to do as much biking and running as possible before I bid WNC adieu once again. So off I go!