things will be great when you're downtown

Remember the Younker's building that burned down a couple of years ago? Well, they rebuilt it and as of last Thursday night, it's my new home. This new building is called the Wilkins and it's beautiful with large windows, high ceilings, and way too much closet space.

I love it. 

Often when given the chance, folks move far away from their hometown, but my hometown is only fifteen minutes north. As I signed this unit's lease, I wondered if I was moving far enough away. Does that make sense? It's fun to be within walking distance of Horizon Line and that fancy new Hy-Vee, but I worried I was ignoring an opportunity to plant roots in new soil. I couldn't help but wonder: IS IOWA WHERE I'M SUPPOSED TO BE?!?! 

Maybe that's life, though? We're never quite sure if this is where we're supposed to be. More and more, I realize we live in that grey area of not-knowing-for-sure. I imagine signing a contract just adds some weight to that uncertainty. Ready or not, this place is mine for the next year and I'm interested to see if it lives up to the hype inside of my head.

The above picture was taken at sunset and all the natural light has been an unexpected bonus. From now on, I think most of my Instagram pictures will #nofilter. Ha! But on a more serious note: I have a sense that something's waiting for me down here. Sometimes I imagine Des Moines as a person and I feel like that person is welcoming me home. It's weird, I know, but it is what it is. 

It's the beginning of a new era and as Petula Clark sang so long ago, I think things will be great.