Photo: Jon Masters, At the Old North Bridge, in Concord, MA.
So today marks a year to the day since I boarded my modern day London Packet and set sail for the New World, hoping things would work out for the best.
It’s been a fascinating experience, one that has taught me more about myself than I ever fully knew before, and I would certainly wholeheartedly recommend it. This time last year, I was en route to Raleigh with only two suitcases (the remaining belongings having been transported by ship) for an orientation session, followed shortly thereafter by frantic househunting and other related activities.
Since moving, I have:
* Published my first full book, and written another book too
* Taken over a variety of Linux related software projects
* Worked on various bits of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5
* Made some new friends, kept in touch with others
* Fallen in love, and been heartbroken
* Passed a driving test
* Bought a car
* Joined a gym
* Learned to sail
* Taken up climbing again
* Lost nearly 50lbs
* taken up the violin again
and a lot, lot more.
Perhaps the most significant thing that happened this year was falling in love. She changed my life, and then upset me more than anything has ever before upset me in my life. Because of her I lost 40lbs in a couple of months, spent an afternoon alone in the middle of the Mojave desert, and much more. For months, I couldn’t bare to open the book I had dedicated to her without being upset. I was upset because I was never given a reason, and couldn’t understand what I had done but love her. It wasn’t great for a while.
But, I did finally get over her, got myself in shape, got a driver’s license, bought a car, and even rediscovered the violin. I have driven many many thousands of miles (first oil change occurred within a month of getting the car) and I have grown to love Massachusetts and the East Coast on the same kind of level that I love California and the West Coast. I’ve even taken to more than occasional morning constitutional strolls beside the Atlantic ocean (sometimes before sunrise), contemplating the meaning of life.
I’ve decided to stay here for the foreseeable future. There’s really nothing that interests me about living in the UK (and many things – such as the Monarchy and government – that don’t), although I could live in Europe or have a house in central(ish) London without really being too upset about it. The US has more than its fair share of problems, but it is a great country, and one that I am happy and privileged to call home.
Jon.