“It’s time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and I’d much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure.” -Ernie Harwell

Where to start! First off, thanks for taking the time to read my writing. For those of you who haven’t heard or don’t know, I was waived (cut) by the Sounders a few weeks ago, thus presenting me with a new chapter of my life. With my apartment lease in Seattle ending, I decided to move back East where I will figure out what’s next for me in this crazy thing called life. As far as this blog goes, for now, I will write about my travels as I drive across country from Seattle, Washington to Richmond, Virginia. My route is as followed:

Seattle, Washington –> Boise, Idaho –> Salt Lake City, Utah –> Denver/Boulder, Colorado –> Keystone, South Dakota –> Brookings, South Dakota –> Chicago, Illinois –> Richmond, Virginia.

*If you’re anywhere near those places, hit me up and I’d love to connect!

Leaving Seattle: I have to begin by thanking the organization that is the reason I ended up in Seattle, and that’s the Seattle Sounders. Becoming a professional soccer player has been my lifelong dream, as anyone who grew up with me can attest to. The Sounders put their confidence in my ability and made that dream a reality. Words can’t express the gratitude and respect I have for the organization’s professional way of business, pride in representing a place, and drive to win and be successful. All the best to them in the future…

From a soccer standpoint, I felt as if I left a lot to be desired. Health was a constant battle and I never truly found the form that I know I am capable of. However, measuring the success of my short time in Seattle based solely from a soccer perspective would be selfish and insulting. It would be a slight to all of the amazing people I have met who welcomed me with open arms, to a part of the country – their part of the country – far, far away from what I know… home. The Pacific North West (PNW for my East-Coasters), is an absolutely stunning part of the country. You’re surrounded by snow-capped mountains, blue-bird skies, moderate temperatures, and lakes/rivers/oceans, all within 20 minutes of a clean, hip (hipster? – so what if my pants got a little tighter!) city (Seattle). I can only hope that those reading this can one day, also spend some time exploring what Washington has to offer. With all of that said, here’s to the experiences I’ve had, the friendships I’ve made, and the people and place that made this past year unforgettable.

Tomorrow, I will be driving from Seattle to the lovely city of Boise, Idaho. I have no idea what to expect in Boise, but here’s a quote I like to live by when traveling.

“The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.” -Gilbert K. Chesterton

With that in mind, let the journey begin!