Hello From The Other Side

Wow. I cannot believe it's been over 8 months already. So let me get this out there before the extreme perfectionism kicks in and compels me to delay this update even further.

Once again, I'm ok. Better in fact. And in no imminent danger (that I'm aware of). Since my last message, "A Smoke Signal From The Void," I've faced significant personal challenges. Your support has been invaluable, and it has fueled my determination to come back stronger.

So here's the deal. Last year was a bit of a rough one for me. Rougher than I may have realized initially, and definitely rougher than I would have anticipated. Long story short, I had a lot of things going on already but ultimately last year I ran into a housing crisis.

Last year I had recently moved into a new place. My dream place I thought. Somewhere I was considering finally planting some roots. And for the first couple months things were great, not but perfect, but pretty good. I had the room and space so that I could finally invest more time in getting TOP 100 2023 off the ground. Time and space I needed, because in years past I've had help growing the TOP 100, but this year I was flying solo. Economic reasons.

But then everything fell apart. I'd noticed some erratic behaviors from the start, but my landlord seemed super chill. Unfortunately, over the course of the next two and a half months I discovered many habitability issues and that erratic behavior escalated which resulted in me being illegally and constructively evicted. Afterwards I also came to find out the home itself was unpermitted and considered an illegal unit.

Since then I've been travelling. Mostly road tripping and couch surfing. Now, I don't want you to feel too badly for me. I've been a part of the Van Life community in various degrees for almost eight years now. So I'm well equipped and this life wasn't too foreign to me. However, it hits differently when it's not 100% by choice.

Anyways, it's also been a trip of a lifetime really. I've been able to see, camp, work, and live in some of the most beautiful and interesting places in the US over the past eight months. The Pacific Northwest. Grand Canyon. Zion.

I have learned a lot of about myself. Impressed myself. And become proud of myself. It might seem crazy, but in a lot of ways I feel more secure and confident than ever.

I've stayed in hostels and met so many kind, fun, smart, inspiring people. I've been able to catch up on visits with friends and family that I've been putting off for years on years on years.

All while being able to continue to work remote. I feel incredibly blessed.

But there's been one big thing missing. Constantly on my mind. Not always at the front, but ever present. This community.

To be real honest with you all, I'm still trying to figure out the next steps. Like I mentioned earlier, I had help before. And I've realized that I can't do this on my own. I am preparing to bring back help, but also engineer systems to further strengthen and scale our community.

Now, as I step back into my role, I'm eager to reconnect and drive forward our mission of innovation and excellence. The Pineapple Empire is ready to regain its momentum, and I'm committed to leading us into a successful and transformative 2024.

In the coming months, expect to see renewed activity, including thought-provoking discussions, collaborative projects, and new initiatives. Together, we'll continue to push the boundaries and achieve great things.

To those who have stood by my side through thick and thin, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your unwavering support has been a source of strength and inspiration, driving me forward even in the darkest of times.

And to those who may be joining our ranks for the first time, I extend a warm welcome. Your energy, passion, and unique perspective are invaluable assets to our community, and I look forward to the adventures that lie ahead.

Thank you for your patience and unwavering support. Let's make this next chapter our best one yet.

Sincerely,

Matthew Higa