#Oregon2Texas

As many of you know, Keith and I are about to make the trek from Corvallis, OR to Austin, TX.

For those who don't know much about Texas (which was me several months ago) often ask why while also having some tone in their voice that suggests our move is a strange decision. Why move away from Oregon? Why aren't you moving back to Eugene? Or to Portland?

Great questions! I'm here to answer those for you.

Back in November, I went to the Association for Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE) Conference in Salt Lake City, UT. Before then, I didn't really know what I wanted to do after OSU. My major was Digital Communication Arts (which is basically a fancy way of saying I studied social media and journalism), but I didn't really want to do anything in that field. I had no idea what I wanted to do. At AORE, I was surrounded by professionals from all sorts of companies and universities around the country who value outdoor experiences, recreational and educational, and are totally psyched on exploring our world and appreciating its beauty. After thinking about it, I realized that adventure education provides me with the opportunity to do everything I've ever wanted: play outside, learn new sports, teach others, provide students with leadership opportunities, develop programs where students can experience the outdoors for the first time.

Ok, check. I figured out what I want to do. Now, where do I go?

Just before Christmas, one of my bosses sent me a link to a graduate assistantship posting for the University of Texas at Austin. I checked it out. It looked legit. I quickly signed up for the GREs (the worst test I have EVER taken), and scrambled to get my references and application finished in a very short time. Long story short, I was offered the GA position, eventually accepted in to the Higher Education Administration Program, then broke the news to our family and friends that we'll be moving to Austin in late July (which is right now...  in case anyone didn't know that).

Keith and I leave tonight for our new adventure. We're starting in Portland and heading to Twin Falls, ID tomorrow to stay with some friends.
Here's some FAQs:
Are you driving to Austin?: Yes.
Are you bringing a U-Haul?: No, we're only taking what fits in our car. Just clothes, outdoor gear, and kitchen stuff (the essentials).
Are you going to die from the heat down there?: Yes, what a stupid question. It's hot as balls down there.
Are you excited?: Yes, of course. It'll be more exciting though if people started making plans to visit us right now...
What's Keith going to do?: He's looking in to carpentry apprenticeship programs. If that doesn't pan out, there's a local outdoor gear company and a rock gym who are asking for him.
How long is your program?: 2 years.
Are you going to move back to Oregon?: Some day! I don't really know when... Calm down people.
Are you going to be back to visit?: Hopefully Christmas, maybe next summer.

Yes, we're excited. No, we're not really ready. But we're leaving tonight either way.

Thanks for reading this! We'll be posting our stops along the way! First stop Idaho, then Utah, Colorado, and then straight down to Texas.

We'll keep you updated!
-Emily (and Keith)