It's kind of funny that I would complain about the weather out here. Corvallis is in a valley, so there is little snow or ice. Of course when there is ice, it's a disaster as they don't pre-treat the roads. Back home, there has been snow, ice flooding rains...here it is just rain, and mostly on the weekends. The office area I work in has one whole wall that is just windows, and it can drive one nuts to see bright sunny days during the week, only to end up with wet, cold weekends. Today was different. Today was perfect. 70 degrees, bright sunshine, low humidity, light breeze. Today was one of those days that causes all kinds of cases of spring fever. It's also one of those days one appreciates living in a coed college town.
It's been 6 weeks since I came out here (technically 7 I guess) and I'm settling in. Today I bought a microwave and a desk chair. I was tired of sitting in that chair that resembles a folding chair that doesn't fold. Now I can rock a bit, stretch a bit, feels nice. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with all this stuff when it comes time to move back home, but I suspect someone is going to end up with a nicely accessorized apartment. Well, it's a room more than an apartment. I have a small vanity sink, bureau, bed end table, and I share 11/2 baths and a kitchen with 3 other people. For less than $400 a month including utilities I think it's a good deal.
No rant tonight. It's been a good day, a good week, a good 7 weeks. I think back to the drive out, and with the exception a I-80 being closed in Wyoming, forcing a hundred odd mile detour, it was wonderful, especially once you get past the Mississippi River. Without a doubt, I think it should be mandatory for everyone to drive or ride I-84 from Utah to Portland Oregon, at least when it's not snowing. You will see all that is great about America, and Americans. Not to take anything away from the other states I visited, but the scenery, the people, just the air alone (though I found Colorado air quite nice) is glorious. Definitely worth the price of admission.
All in all, this has been one of my better career adventures. I'm learning, teaching, challenged, and fulfilled. I hope to have more later...for right now, I want to enjoy the sunset and that glorious breeze.
