It hadn’t really hit me that i was leaving Seattle, my home for the past 4 years, until just recently. It’s a gripping feeling and an odd one at that because, to be honest, for the majority of these past several years I’ve had a love/hate relationship with this city. 

I don’t like Seattle weather. I don’t like how my California self has a hard time adjusting to the chilling winter temperatures here. I don’t like the Seattle Freeze. I don’t like having to apply to my major after I had just applied to college. I don’t like waiting for buses. I don’t like having to walk in the rain.

These are all things that at one time were fervent feelings in me during my time here. However, I’ve come to realize that Seattle became embedded in my heart as my second home without me even consciously knowing–that is, until now when the time to say goodbye has finally arrived.

4 years seriously went by much too quickly and it has been filled with countless memories that will forever hold a special place in my heart.

I’ll miss impromptu trips to (un)Safeway on the Ave for late night snacks. I’ll miss the cool, fresh air while making the cross-campus trek to UW Station in the morning. I’ll miss my awesome coworkers who continue to inspire me everyday. I’ll miss playing TwoDots on my way to and from work on the Link. I’ll miss chilling in the gaming corner at Ode. I’ll miss my cozy little apartment and my adorable landlord. I’ll miss cooking all kinds of recipes with my boyfriend. I’ll miss all the friends I’ve made here and all our memories of foodie adventures, exploring the city, and hair dying.

My list could go on and on, but I’ll just leave it at that for now. I already know that going back home to the Bay Area is going to be a totally different ball park, now that I’ve evolved as a person and now that the place I once called home 4 years ago has evolved as well. I know that there is an endless amount of you guys out there who feel me on this on the sheer uncertainty and anxiety over the future that hits once you’re plopped into the real world fresh out of college.

This heart of mine aches for leaving this place where I have grown and blossomed into an adult. It hit me like a car crash of emotions, but, surely, the 206 will always and forever hold a special place in my heart as my home away from home. So maybe it’s not a “farewell”, but rather a “see you later”.

Peace, love, and many thanks, Seattle.

❤ Kat

Photos by MSL Photography