location, location, location.

wow. what a difference location makes. granted, i am used to eugene as i lived here for nearly seven years prior to moving to texas...but there is something very important about this area of the country for me. i didn't realize how miserable i actually was in lubbock until i got back here. i guess there is something about familiarity that is important, but i bet there is a lot more to it. things are just going really good right now...i love what i am doing, i love the town, the culture, the grocery stores, the fabulous coffee, the football. seriously. it's sorta heaven comparatively.

i am getting so much support from my colleagues here that it is a wonder how i ever survived TTU in the first place. though there are some meaningful people and experiences connected to TTU, those of us that have been there for a few years are aware of the negative climate that exists. needless to say, being back at UofO i am well aware of how hard the last few years have been. everything is just too easy here. that doesn't mean that there isn't work involved, or i am over qualified, just that there is a sense of ease about everything i have done so far. wow. what a relief. i am ready for a mental health break.

in addition, just being back in eugene is fantastic. i absolutely love this town. and better yet, i love driving around town and seeing tons and tons of obama stickers! may seem minor to some, but i LOVE that. ;) i have started nike+ (check it out...www.nikeplus.com) which is coaching me through a 12 week running program. by december i hope to be keeping up with the best of them around eugene! i guess the history of pre is great enough reason to start running here. thanks to jarod...i'm all set. (gotta love friends with massive discounts).



good things are happening in my life. i have made some major steps in regard to my own personal well being and have found a part of my family i had yet to know. those close to me are well aware of these details, but suffice it to say that it has made an amazing impact on my own personal serenity. i have a baby brother due in about a week (this is part of those details--don't feel like explaining--just accept the face value :)) i can't wait for him to be here....

all in all, things are wonderful. i am very happy at the possibilities ahead in all areas of my life. cheers to things being great again! ;)