1.1: On My Own

Okay, I can barely see the paper… It’s so dark in this damn tent! But I’ve gotta get this all down before I forget.

So… I made it. And I’m actually feeling okay, I guess. But so tired… Guess that’s what jetlag will do to you, huh?

Anyway, the view out the plane window was beautiful. Also kinda terrifying… But I’ll try to focus on the ‘beautiful’ part.

Through the slight haze of the clouds, I could see it – My new home. First we passed over the sprawling green countryside. The grass, the trees, the lakes and streams… It almost reminded me of Granite Falls back home. Well… actually, I guess this is ‘home’ now, huh?

Anyway, it wasn’t long before the grassy hills were out of sight and the heart of Windenburg came into view – The cobblestone streets, the old-style buildings… It was incredible! So different from anywhere I’d ever been before… and I couldn’t wait to go explore and take in every inch of the amazing city I saw below me.

But first things first, I guess. After suffering through the endless lines at security and immigration, I found myself a taxi and headed toward the huge plot of land I’d purchased a few months ago. It was out in that gorgeous countryside I’d seen from the plane window this morning – and I was so excited to finally see it in person.

As soon as I arrived to the beautiful empty lot, I quickly got to work trying my best to make the place feel like home… But when you have nothing but a handful of camping supplies and fifty bucks in your pocket, that’s kind of easier said than done.

Mom and dad put up such a fuss when I told them I didn’t want their help. And it wasn’t that I’m not grateful. They’ve done so much for me over the years, and I appreciate everything they’ve given me…

But it’s time I start doing things for myself.

Now, I’m pretty sure mom would have a heart attack if she saw the tiny tent that’ll be my new home from now on… I convinced her I’d saved up for some cute little cabin out in the woods. Had to show her a fake picture and everything. And… yeah, I guess I feel kinda bad about that. But it was the only way to get her to stop nagging me about needing help. What else could I do?

Hopefully I can figure out some kind of excuse when she finally flies out here to visit… Now that’ll be interesting… Guess I’ll have to cross that bridge when I get to it, just like everything else.

I’ll be honest – I’m still scared shitless about this whole thing. But when I was sitting there earlier out in the fresh air – eating my food, sitting on my cooler, on my land – it felt good. It felt like maybe I was finally starting to figure things out.

Maybe.