This time last year, I was literally loading up my car and hitting the road. Behind me would be everything that was familiar and comfortable, my good friends and favorite coffee spots, the neighborhood indie theater and the tapas place next door, the promenade connecting the neighborhoods that align the harbor, familiar faces and neighbors. Farewell for a bit, but I will see you again soon. And then what was ahead of me, the open road, a lot of uncertainty, and the adventure of a lifetime.
Having come full circle, I will say that it will take me some time to fully process the impact and ripples caused by this wonderful year. In the meantime, I wanted to answer the top questions I’ve been asked since I’ve landed back in Baltimore.
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What were all the cities that you spent a month in?
In order of appearance, Miami South Beach FL, Atlanta GA, New Orleans LA, Austin TX, Boulder, Long Beach CA, Portland OR, Seattle WA, Chicago IL and Memphis TN. 10 cities total, with travel time back to Baltimore every quarter to see clients, friends and family, and a couple side trips along the way. It was an amazing adventure.
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What was your favorite city?
It’s hard to pick just one. I loved certain parts of all the cities that I went to. I picked cities that I thought would be great to explore or have intrigued me in some way. So, starting with the base that all the cities had cool things to offer, the ones that stood out for me even further were Boulder CO, Portland OR, Seattle WA, and Chicago IL. So there, I’ve narrowed it down to 4. Not sure if you’ll get me to pick just one….yet 😉
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Why are you back in Baltimore?
Ummm…..because I live here? And why not? I think some folks may have expected me to immediately jump off into one of the cities that I visited this past year. Wouldn’t that be awesome? I’m not ruling it out as a possibility, but anyone who knows what it’s like to travel and bounce around consecutively for a while, should also know how comforting it is to stay put in familiar territory, even if it’s just for a few months. So that’s where I’m at, and I intend to use this time wisely to grow as a person and a professional, as well as to contemplate the many opportunities that have come out of this year.
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What are your goals for 2014?
Well, since you asked…. I’d like to spend a month in Paris so I can put that French I learned in high school to good use (so far it only comes out after a couple cocktails!). I’d like to also do a service project in another country, not sure what or where yet. I’d like to really hone in on the core values of my business, and I’m going to explore what it takes to write a book that will embody all that 2013 was for me, as well as for the people I met and those who shared with me in my journey.
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So be on the lookout for great things to come.
Jess Watson is the CEO & Creative Director of Points North Studio. She's the co-organizer of Baltimore Womxn in Tech, a big believer in Baltimore city, and a pioneer of working remotely while traveling the globe.
