As I settle back into life in the Truckee Meadows (a term used to describe the Reno/Sparks, Nevada metro area), I have come to notice a distinct feeling about being back home in Nevada. As much as the area comes with a certain level of comfort, I can’t help but notice that it is different for me. I have noticed that I feel like a grown-up here. Life has changed since the last time I was living in Reno, Nevada. I have since married and begun a family and we are living in a new(er) area of the city that was built shortly before we moved away in the summer of 2005.

Putting my finger on what is different is something that I have been working on since I arrived here more than a week ago. Now, rather than attempting to go out and socialize, I find myself with parental responsibilities and scheduling time with friends. It used to be a quick call and my friends and I could meet up anywhere for any reason. Now, it is just to catch up and see one another with all that happens in between.

As with all things, change happens and we can either embrace it or reject and fight against the current. Although it is awkward at first, this change is a good thing. My wife and I can expose our children to all the things that made growing up here so great; Apple Hill in Placerville, CA, snow sports, all of the events over the summer, such as Hot August Nights, Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off, Lake Tahoe, Virginia City, etc. There are so many things here that we can see and do that life really just got better for my family and I. The housing market is at a prime period for a first-time home buyer as well.

Opportunities abound for our family and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store, both professionally as well as personally.