This is a photo from my back porch. Many people live here or move because of the outdoor activities such as: snowboarding, skiing, hiking, biking, camping, and/or running. And there are approximately 100 more days of sunshine than the northwest. But, to me, Utah is not home.
Life is funny. I moved to Utah with a plan and that plan evolved into something drastically different, but where I wanted it to go all along. I knew that I needed to give it some time before Clackamas Physical Conditioning grew enough to bring me on as a trainer.
But moving away brings about a sadness within me. It's only natural when you've developed relationships you don't want to leave. I intend on visiting annually, but I cannot believe how many kind and generous people have come into my life here in Salt Lake City. There is nothing fake about their big hearts, either. I don't attract fake people and I am truly grateful for them and wanted to take an opportunity to say thank you.
Mary, Jorge, and Thomas: Mary and Jorge let Kristin and me stay at their place for over a month until we found jobs and an apartment of our own. Their son, Thomas, was always fun to pick on and I hope he developed a little toughness because of that. Mary is currently going through chemo for two kinds of cancer (one more session left!) and so far so good. I've taken her dinner 3 times and have really enjoyed our conversations. She wished me bounty in my journey back to Oregon and was fully supportive of my decision. She's wonderful and I hope she doesn't run into anymore bumps in the road with her health.
Jocelyn, Brian, Jenna, Jackson, and Sierra: You're my family and I've enjoyed the memories we've made in the last two years. Great meals, great company, great conversation. I truly wish you lived in Oregon during my childhood because I would've enjoyed having you around during my upbringing. Positive role models are important for children. I know that all families have their drama, but I think my family could've also benefited from having you guys nearby. Especially for my mom to have her sister close. I love you all.
Seth, Tavia, and family: As the only two males in our cohort for grad school, I am sorry I'm leaving you all alone. But the two families that had the biggest impact on me during my bumps in the road were my aunt and uncle (above) and you guys. Holy crap have you guys been generous and caring and just awesome people to have in my life. It's hard to meet genuine people these days and you definitely fit in that category. We have slightly different political, spiritual, even nutritional ideals, yet we know that it is of opinion and love each others' similarities and differences. And can hang out without trying to force entertainment; we just enjoy the company.
Tina & Jonathan: You came to my rescue when I was in need and I can't thank you enough. And Tina, when it came to studying for school you always tried to get together. No one else in the cohort did that. And you always took me to the airport so I could go home and visit the people who mean so much to me. Thank you so much for everything.
Molly: I admit that of everyone in our cohort, I was a little more judgmental toward you because you are vegan. But when we worked together at PEAK and exchanged emails with each other, I got to know how awesome you are. You invited me running, you invited me out to get-togethers, you invited me camping, and said that you were down for going out for drinks if you were available. If you can't tell, that meant a lot to me and I wanted to say thank you. And say I'm sorry for judging you.
The rest of the cohort: I wish you the best and hope you succeed in your endeavors.
Heidi H.: I didn't know that the one trainer I would end up being good friends with would be you, but I am glad it was. I appreciate your normalcy and the fact I can actually relate to you. It's probably due to the fact that we're both not from Utah. Ha! The hikes, the conversations, the passion for fitness, going out for drinks, it was always a good time. Thank you for being so damn chill.
Kai, Nichole, Robert, Winston, and Heidi: Holy memories. Wendover is such a shithole, yet I had so much fun with you guys. I don't know if I've ever laughed that hard the entire two years I've been in Utah. We are retarded! We definitely know how to have fun. Thank you for letting me into your circle. I look forward to seeing you all when I visit.
My MountainLand Rehabilitation folks: You guys were a lot of fun and showed me what it's like to really care for other peoples' well-being. Lydia: You're a rockstar. I could literally talk to you for hours. You are awesome and thank you for joining me at the farmer's market. Art: Thank you for the letter of recommendation for grad school and thank you for showing me Mill Creek for the first time. You're a stud and I wish you the best. Angie: When you let yourself out of your shell, you are a riot. I loved our conversations and loved it when your sarcasm would catch me off guard. I wish everyone the best.
Jason and Tara: Add two more to the genuine list. Jason, I really do appreciate the kinds words you gave me when things didn't work out at SLC Crossfit. I feel like I've learned a lot about training just by showing up to the gym and watching you. Just like Mary told me, I truly believe that you two deserve bounty for your generosity and hard work and I hope the best for both of you. I look forward to seeing you when I visit.
Finally, my clients: There are so many of you who have really given me great insight and advice and have been very generous. You didn't have to do anything for me except let me train you, but we developed great relationships and I hope to stay in touch. There's: Christina, Lynda, John, Brady, Jill, Fred, Barbi, Danyel, Lindsay, Lori, Jo, Cindy, Ron, Ron, Lawrence, and on and on. And I can't forget my fellow trainers and work colleagues: Jacob, Shannon, Ali, Mike, and Forrest. I appreciate our conversations, your dedication, and thank you for listening to me blab on in-between and after sessions when I was out of the house and actually socializing with real people. A big thank you for helping my mental state during the longest 6 months of my life.
You all mean a lot to me and I wanted to take a moment to show some gratitude for what you've all done. There are times when I feel like I don't deserve all that you've given me, but I hope to pay it forward some day to help someone just like you all have helped me.
Thank you.
Jeromie
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