Crazy Week

This has been one of the craziest weeks since I got here!

I have been taking courses at the college here, the district brokers the classes, so that the teachers can take certain graduate level courses for $40! It is a great support. Normally, they are on Tuesday and Thursday, but this week, the elementary school I service had an open house on Tuesday so I went to the Wednesday session. Every night this week, I didn't get home until about 8 pm. It was crazy, but next week we only have students for three days and then inservice for the remaining two.

The grading period ended on Friday, it was the short one for the year. (The next one is longer, so the length of both the semesters are the same.) It is definitely flying by.....leaves me with that "I'm always behind feeling." I am sure though, no amount of time would ever get me caught up since I am always thinking of something new I could do. Just like my theory on Christmas break, no matter how much time you have before to prepare for it, there is always something you will think of to add so it isn't restful. Time after the Holidays, however is spent cleaning and putting things back "in order" much slower paced.

Sarah, you will be happy to hear that people here are very fashion forward and they are looking forward to helping me re-establish my wardrobe. The second-hand stores here are fabulous and this weekend I received some donations as the yearly closet clean-out is in full swing. I have found a color specialist, and a hairdresser too....now to just go :0)

I received three of the boxes this week that were sent in late September (Thank-you , Mom!) It was quite and interesting feeling, on one hand I was very glad to have my stuff here with me, but it also brought a feeling of homesickness too. Nothing overwhelming, but it was an unexpected aftertaste. The blanket Beth gave me has not been delivered yet, and I will be so excited when it gets here.

It has been very stormy the last two days, with some ice on the road as well. The middle of this week also saw motorists on the side of the road on the way out to the base. The leaves have mostly all fallen, except of course on the evergreens, and the grasses have turned brown. The differences int he colors is amazing and beautiful, you can see the contour of the land better, in my opinion and the difference between the evergreens and the rest of the foliage is gorgeous. I went up to Pillar Point today, but forgot the camera. It was very windy, I could fill it rocking the truck a little bit so it was probably a good thing I forgot it, the wind was probably a bit more powerful than I would have been prepared for....and it was cold. I'll head up on a less stormy day and take some pics. Jason, you would definitely think we had mountains here. Often, you cannot see the peaks as they disappear into the fog or clouds (there is a difference of opinion on which it actually is at times.)

My neighbor is doing well, the rain and cold don't deter him much and he is so good. He never tries to come in the apartment, which is good since the carpet is white! The other day there were some other dogs on the street that come over to say hi as I checked my mail and Toby ran down the lane barking. (He was faster than I gave hm credit for.) He stood between me and the other dogs until he had sniffed them all out and deemed them good enough to associate with. It is nice being so well defended!

Well, I am picking up my neighbor and her son from the 10:30 jet and want to take my time on the road so I better get. Have a great week!