As I write this I am curled up and shivering in my bed with a low grade fever so I apologize if things get a bit disjointed. One month ago today I excitedly moved into my Detroit abode in Woodbridge–with my parents and sister in tow–love them.

In the days leading up to becoming a Michigander, the major accomplishments in my life have included–but are not limited to:

  • Growing up on a farm in Iowa (where my parents still live and where I will always call “home”)
  • Graduating from Iowa State University with a Bachelors of Fine Art in Interior Design

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  • Promptly moving to Seattle, Washington (the place I could live forever were it not so far from family) where I lived and worked for two years

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  • Attending graduate school at the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon for four years

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  • Graduating in June of 2014 from the University of Oregon with a Masters of Architecture and a Masters of Science in Historic Preservation
  •  Purchasing my very first (used) car
  • Driving myself and my cat, Midge, from the Emerald City (Eugene) approximately 36 hours and 2,403 miles to Motor City, USA!

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It’s been a long journey but we are so excited to be here!

Now that Midge and I are Detroiters, and I say that quietly as I don’t quite feel we have earned it yet, we each have had a variety of new experiences.

Midge’s favorite has been moving into a house with a dog and a cat. She is slowly honing her communication, teamwork, and tolerance skills as she has lived in a single-feline household her whole life. The month started out rough but she is blossoming. I’m so proud!

My favorite experience has been the random interactions with fellow Detroiters while waiting in line, working on a project outside, ordering a beer, etc. These daily interactions may be small and mundane to most folks but I see them as extreme bright spots. For example, the man who shines my shoes has five brothers and sisters and has been shining shoes for 30 years! He also really likes to eat trail mix as a snack and often will do so as he works.

A 30 year-old woman I met while waiting in line has lived in the city her whole life and has a 9 year-old son. She loves social outings in the city but lives in the suburbs as she feels it is safer for her son. The schools are also much better there. She likes white wine and works in the construction business.

It is moments like these that get me through the tough days. What a wonderfully complex, diverse, and historical city Detroit is. While the city does deal with major issues such as racism, high unemployment rates, and derelict buildings, I cannot help but see the positivity and optimism that exists when I have experiences like those I describe above. While I look forward to all of the opportunities ahead with Challenge Detroit, I most look forward to many many more of the random daily bright spots! The moments that cannot be planned.

I think I will start a journal and keep track of all of the folks I meet along with a few bullet points about their story. Turns out this NyQuil is making me think.

Til we meet again…A.