The gas pump asked for it recently. Oh shit. It took a minute, but after a few attempts I got it right and it accepted my credit card. Phew. This pump is in Santa Fe, my current residence. I’ve been here since November of last year, and in addition to decent gas prices, it’s proving to be an awesome place to set down roots.

Ha! My fam and close chums would say. No one close to me will believe I have any clue about roots beyond the exposed ones of a mint plant I recently killed (accidentally). You see I’ve changed addresses almost every year and lived in multiple states. Few in my circle bother sending me a Holiday card anymore. But with all this moving, and my new commitment to stay put, I’ve come to appreciate the past decade of cross-country hopscotching. I now know that the best pizza-by-the-slice exists in a strip mall in Princeton, NJ. The worst DMV is probably in Langhorne, PA, where the guy in the window told me to “come back in a day or so because our computers are broken”. I practiced yoga on the quietest, softest beach I’ve ever seen in Hilton Head. Saw the best mega rock stars perform in Phoenix, AZ..home to a packed calendar of huge acts. And even though I grew up in the coffee town Seattle, I think I just found the best one here in Santa Fe. Cushy banquettes, locally-roasted brew, the perfect 90s playlist (I miss the cranberries!) and an impressive herb wall (maybe I can replace the mint.)

All this moving does make maintaining friendships a struggle. Since leaving my hometown 12 years ago, I’ve met amazing people in each city. Mostly at yoga studios I taught and practiced at. But after a year or so it was always time to bid adieu. And while with each goodbye has been a promise “to stay in touch”, time and distance have a way of dissolving the sentiment.

Community, near and far

I’m starting to make friends in Santa Fe. Such cool people at the animal shelter I started volunteering at. And the yoga studio. But the whole point of blogging is to reach a wider audience, maybe even some dear friends I haven’t heard from since I skipped town. The athlete and yogi in me also recognizes the health benefits of community. Recent studies are emphasizing community as an integral part of healthy longevity. My younger self thought eating endless plants, crushing a 10K a week, and cranking out my age in number of push-ups would reap rich rewards. Thank God I’ve grown wiser.

Home wherever you are

Perhaps you’ve forgotten your zip code and are struggling to lay down roots in a new town. You’re not alone! I look forward to posting so much more on how I’ve navigated through all the challenges of moving and what I continue to learn along the way. Her Next Address is about where I am, and where I’m going. My hope is that what I share might inspire you to find your way home too.