When life throws a good loop, go for it

This is actually the second goodbye column I've written at the Columbia Basin Herald.

The last time I was a young reporter, off to see if I could become the editor of a weekly newspaper in Bremerton.

After a stint there and in Kellogg, Idaho, I was fortunate enough to be invited back to the Herald far sooner than I could have imagined when I became editor here in September 2004. I'll also be leaving far sooner than I could have imagined.

But that's life. Just when you think you've got things figured out, it throws you for a loop.

This time around, that loop is around the ring finger of my left hand, a sign of my recent engagement. The wedding's not until next year, but my fiance and I are excited to start our new life together and an exciting opportunity arose for me to work as a technical writer with a great company in downtown Seattle. (As an architect, it was a little difficult for him to make the move in this direction.) So later this week, it's time to move yet again.

But that also abides with my philosophy on life. I believe in seizing opportunities. We can't ever truly plan where life will take us, but we can certainly try to make the best decisions possible along the way.

Making big jumps like these really gets you thinking about, well, life.

Most recently I've been making comparisons to the triathlon in Moses Lake I participated in this weekend.

I spent many hours preparing for that event, and it was a thrill to come across that finish line Saturday. I struggled through the swim, and was momentarily unsure I'd be able to complete it after a big wave took my breath away within the first few minutes. Though I love the water and swim calmly and surely in a pool, choppy waters and boat waves apparently make me hyperventilate. This was an interesting tidbit to learn about myself once I was 50 feet from shore, unable to touch bottom.

I was frustrated as I stumbled out of the water, dripping with disappointment in myself. But I got on my bike (thanks, Deb) and started pedaling. And catching up. I felt strong throughout the rest of the race, and proud of myself for biking hard and running at a good pace all the way to the finish line.

I felt even better with every "Good job!" and other words of encouragement my fellow triathletes and those watching the event shouted along the way. In my worst moment, as I clung to a kayak trying to catch my breath after that big wave, the volunteer in it began talking me through my swim. His voice seemed to keep me afloat even when I wasn't sure my arms and legs could.

In many ways, I've prepared for this next stage of my life just as I trained for the triathlon. There's truly years of experiences behind being able to make a decision like this with confidence.

Like swimming in open water, I'm sure there will be struggles ahead. And I'm sure I'll find out more surprising facts about myself. But I'm surrounded by support, from family, friends and co-workers, who've all wished me well in this next step I'm taking. They'll be the ones I'll rely on to talk me through the rainy season this winter in Seattle. Their words of encouragement will keep me calm when I'm stressed by city life. And I'm sure a visit home will do the trick when I'm most in need of familiar faces and a little Moses Lake sunshine.

I will always be grateful I was able to come home again. It allowed me to spend a little more time with everyone I love, in a place that will always be home to me. But now it's time for a new adventure.

Thank you to everyone at the Herald, especially my newsroom team for their dedication, integrity, talent and, above all, great senses of humor.

Erin Stuber is the Columbia Basin Herald's managing editor, until Thursday.