I moved to Reno one year ago, in early September 2013. And one year later, here I am still.

It takes awhile to know your way around a new place. And it took me a bit longer, since I was only here part time for the first 9 months. But now I’m getting to know Reno and Sparks, but mostly Reno. My apartment was in Northwest Reno and the house that I’m renting is also in Northwest Reno, so I know that area the best. I liked it well enough to look for houses to rent around there.

My summer was mostly spent fly fishing! I think I’ve fly fished more this year than I have in the last 10 years combined. As soon as the days and water temperatures were warm enough (about early June) I went fishing almost every day after work and again on the weekends. Northwest Reno is very close to some great fishing spots, and I took advantage of the high summer daylight hours, some evenings I was still in the water at 9pm.

I’ve found that Reno has everything that I need and, from my perspective, everything the Bay Area has. Not once in the last year have I thought, “I wish I still lived in the Bay Area so I could do X.” In many ways, life is much better up here–at least for me. It’s less crowded, it’s cheaper all around, and the mountains that I love so much are just minutes away.

The new house I’m renting is cute (yes, it’s small). Only about 1200 sq ft. But the hardwood floors throughout and the 10 foot high ceilings and large back yard really make the living space seem much bigger. It’s only 100 sq ft bigger than the apartment that I was renting. But there’s no comparison, living in an apt vs a house. This house is sooooooooooo quiet! When I’m falling asleep at night I never hear the noise from cars on the street or my neighbors yelling. I love my rental. I would buy it if I could.

I just finished up 3 months at my new job, and things are going great. My employer has no complaints and treats me like an adult. What a huge difference from my last job! Working for Charter Media as a Video Technician is my dream job. It’s a little bit of everything I’ve done before, and I get to put my knowledge experience and talents to good use here. I feel useful. I feel needed. And I feel appreciated.

I’ve said it before, and this time I REALLY mean it…

I’m living my dreams.