additionally, i have learned a crap ton about myself. seattle taught my that i need more friends my age (or older... :]) and that i will always have a place in the northwest. michigan taught me that i don't have to settle for the life i find myself in, but that i don't have to run from it, either.
since i've already given an overview of my washington excursions, i feel as if my tour de midwest needs a summary. grand rapids, particularly eastown where i spent most of my eight days, is a city that moves. cars, buses, walkers and a ton of cyclists. i got my initiation into the hipster lifestyle by taking a 2.6+ mile bike ride to the Grand River by the Gerald R. Ford museum. The humidity was a bit higher that day, and since it was only my second day in the midwest, i was still trying to adjust. needless to say that by the time we were almost home, i lost my mind. i was struggling with the gears of kristen's road bike (the kind of which i had never ridden before and wasn't a fan), insanely thirsty as i'd forgotten my water bottle, and the hills were the bane of my existence. i made kadilyn stop so i could prevent myself from throwing up where she commenced laughing at me and telling me i was being dramatic. it was a rough day, i won't lie to you. thankfully, it rained later and broke the pressure in the air.
the rest of the week was much better; i managed another bike ride around eastown (though my pelvis hurt so badly i could hardly sit), we walked many miles (easily ten, probably more), and i even got to swim in Lake Michigan. *side note: it is the weirdest and coolest experience to swim at a beach with no salt; i loved it.* it's just what you do in grand rapids. particularly if you don't own a car, like kadilyn.
i adored the midwest. i totally fell in love and i can't wait to go back. but i realized that a lot of the things i loved about it can be part of the life i have now. i've decided to get my produce from a farmers market always instead of just thinking it would be cool. i've only used my car three times since i got back and have committed myself to walking as often as i can. i hope to be able to get a bike soon because i find it ridiculous that i never leave folsom, but always use my car. it's just expensive and not conscientious.
so. i've started new healthy initiatives. walking, fresh and local produce and also a new appreciation for quality conversation. it does so much good for the soul, let me tell you.
what are you doing new this school year? how has your summer affected your healthy habits?
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