Almost a month since the last

So,
I haven't had time to blog... then I had time, but not my pictures. Now I've misplaced my camera with the pictures I really wanted to share.

But, I'm in Irvine at my parents' house, I spent a very relaxing birthday yesterday napping, eating and seeing friends. That was awesome and the dinner with my parents was incredible.... we all enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.

Since the 23rd of Nov, I helped work a Thanksgiving Family getaway at the learning center during which I helped run some programs for the 50 participants there. An eagle presentation, a Dam walk, a night hike, a tracking class as well as the participation in various icebreakers and social events, as well as the front desk! Concierge = me!

I finished the quarter's worth of projects and classes. I think my experience in Japan has helped me tremendously because I am focused and patiently grinding away at the never-ending work load. A little bit each day and I hit the deadlines with no real loss of sleep!

I have been working out a little bit too. Basic exercises and now basic pilates (thanks to my mother, the instructor!) and I'm ready to rock.

Speaking of rocks, last week massive amounts of debris came flying off the mountains and all over the roads as we experienced a rain-on-snow event. Lots of water, rocks, sediment load and trees covered the road, learning center parking lot and the highway. we were kinda trapped for two days! Fortunately it got cleaned up and we escaped.

I spent three days in transit- two with another student in my group, Codi and her husband, Jimmy who put (up with me/ me up) [hehehe]. We ate well and went birding and watched soccer. It was a nice way to unwind from crazy school life- seeing hawks, snow geese, trumpeter swans [loud bastards!], Great Blue Herons and Bald Eagles. Then a night on Bainbridge Island with Svend and Edie, a nice couple I met at the Getaway. We spoke for hours and Edie whipped up a nice meal for us. I look forward to seeing them when I get back to the Northwest.

Now that I am 29, I feel like I have reached a milestone. 10 years since I have "been on my own" and I am still not completely out on my own. Well, I suppose I am, and now in terms of financial independence and space. But I come back to my parent's house and almost consider it home. It is comfortable and nice and I like being here... for a visit!

I'll be here for a wedding, more birthday celebrations and a huge family reunion and anniversary party. Seeing friends and family will be delightful (or not). Then whisking myself back to the cold, dark north for avalanche training and skiing before my program starts again.

Quick note on the program: It is exactly where I need to be right now. I love every single second of the studying I am doing and I am slowly settling into the Pacific Northwest also. Non-profit admin and education (through the lens of environmental and experiential approaches) is the path that seems most natural to me. There are still many options for careers and paths towards which this graduate program may direct me... but they all point towards happiness and personal satisfaction. For that I am so grateful.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a safe New Year to you.

Cheers.