It's not me Pocatello, it's you: A fond farewell to the Gate City

As I sit in my office on my very last night in a building I've spent over three years in, I can't help but let my mind wander.

Tomorrow morning (Saturday) my family and I pack up everything we own to leave Pocatello for good. It's very much bittersweet in that we will leave behind relationships, routines and familiarity behind us. But at the same time, this is what is best for us.

As I have said, my time with the Idaho State Journal abruptly came to an end when I was moved to a different position in the office. It was abundantly clear at that point that it was time to advance to the next phase of my life. My wife and I had been talking about it for a while, but the change forced our hand.

I certainly have bitter feelings toward the situation, but it was exactly what I needed. My anger has been washed away and replaced by excitement and nervousness. There is no room in my heart for bitterness.

Back to the mind wandering thing. I have met so many incredible people and had the opportunity to do some cool things as a sports writer. I think about all the coaches who I became close with — Tony Green at Highland, Vinnie Benavidez at Pocatello and Pauline Thiros at Century, just to name a few — are people I will stay in contact with for years to come.

Then there are the players. I got really close with a lot of them. Some that come to mind immediately are Kyler Manu at Highland (Boise State football commit), Malek Harwell at Century, Mikayla Kanawyer at Highland and Andy Burtenshaw at Pocatello. There are many, many others. The point is these athletes and coaches became a part of my life, people I looked forward to talking to after their games. That experience and those people will be sorely missed.

All good things must come to an end, right? That's something I absolutely believe in. I'm also a believer in new beginnings. Sometimes when God closes a door He opens one the size of a house. That's how I feel now. With a house purchase underway and jobs lined up for my wife and I (I start Monday, actually), life could not be sweeter.

Thanks to all who were part of my journey in Pocatello. I will sincerely miss you. If you're ever in the Twin Falls area, hit me up. I'll buy you a Mountain Dew and we can catch up!