Hey y’all,
I hope you’re surviving your summer better than I am. I know a lot of people get SAD (seasonal affective disorder) for winter because of the lack of sun…in all honesty, summer is usually my worst season. It’s too hot, I don’t like being sweaty…I like summer food but everything else I could do without. But I got my diploma a few days ago, and life is alright as a newly minted Dr. Nebeker!
A lot of people have come up to me and asked me what I’m doing after graduation. Well, right now I’m living with my parents in Texas. My lease expires this July, but I had planned to get out earlier so I spent the last 2.5 weeks in Eugene just packing every day. All my stuff is currently stored in Eugene, with the intention of returning back to Oregon and continuing to live there.
My canned answer to all the folks asking is “I’m teaching right now, and I will move to Portland (Beaverton area to be specific) to open up a second location of my teaching studio and continue growing that business.” And that is in all parts correct. But the reality is not as simple. I don’t like posting about my business until it’s all settled, but truth is: moving took a lot out of my cash flow. It will take more time than I anticipated to get back on my feet, and return to Oregon. I really like the PNW, and I see it as a potential forever home. I’ve been applying to some higher education jobs in the region, as some positions are starting to pop up in places I can see myself living in. But I think everyone’s pretty aware: the job market is shit, the economy is shit, and life in America is not designed for a single person. There are so many things that would be infinitely easier if I had a life partner, but that’s just not how life worked out!
Despite that, I maintain my course. I am not ashamed about moving back in with my parents for the second time - it was inevitable. If I seem more off these next few months, that’s just what I have to accept when it comes to living rent-free. I’m also pre-emptively refusing any more travel plans, or things that are big money drains because I’m really focusing on putting my money towards long-term stuff. I got enough ahead of me as is! But any new plans will have to be starting probably winter 2027 — so if you want a conference buddy, or a travel buddy…we can work something out :)
In the meantime: I’ll keep teaching, and practicing my pieces albeit at a much slower pace, and finding a new rhythm now that I’m no longer a student. I’m glad to have some time at home, eat the foods I grew up on as a kid. But I’m also missing my PNW life, and I’m working real hard to make sure I return as soon as I can!!!
Best,
Dr. Helen (hahaha)
