« Back to blog

Where I'm Going

Img_0025e

I've lived in Brookings since Sept. 3, 2004. 

For those of you who are as bad at math as I am - that's five years and 9 months. A total of 2,115 days. Two dorm rooms, two town homes and one apartment. 

On that first day, I hugged my teary-eyed parents in an SDSU parking lot and opened a new chapter in my life. 

While living in "B-Town," I've:
  • Met some of my best friends and colleagues
  • Spent time and bonded with my family in the area
  • Discovered my future with photography
  • Set up my biz
  • Graduated college
  • Dove into a career in marketing
  • Went to many places: Mexico (x2), Arkansas, Texas, California (x2), Las Vegas, Arizona, Canada (x5) and Minnesota (x463*)
  • Most importantly - I found the best thing I will ever find - Stacy. 
This town means a lot to me. In fact, I promised my life to my woman on the steps of the most recognizable edifice in this city. (By the way - she said "yes.")

In two months, that chapter will end as I marry my best friend and move on to bigger and better things in Sioux Falls. It's a step that several of my friends have made in the past few years, and one that I anticipate with faith. There's a lot to worry about (including an unfamiliar, super-saturated photography market and a 50-minute commute on three days every week), but I'll make the jump with my head up and with my thoughts on good things. 

My checklist for moving to Sioux Falls:
  • Pack stuff
  • Unpack stuff
  • Set up shop 
  • Chill with friends and family
  • Meet people
  • Take photos
  • Share photos
  • Sustain the good stuff

Photo: The southward lane of 22nd Avenue as seen from 6th Street in Brookings, S.D. (c)John Nelson 2006