With the frigid cold of the recent past, and the hussle of the holidays only a slim memory now, it was time for a break in my routine. I didn't hesitate to take the offered time-off from work(paid, even better!). After a last minute internet reservation and my bag packed, I flew down to CA hoping that the sun, even in winter, would be shining through. My optimism was soon tempered by 7 nonstop days of drizzle and low clouds. Damn. I could have stayed home in Seattle and had better! And the truth is, Californians are notorious whiners when it comes to weather matters...as if they should have some devine direction to always have sunny days....although L.A. was basking in the 70's.
This was a "plan ahead nothing" trip. Usually because of time constraints due to work, I plan most things ahead to maximize my visit-time wherever I might be. It was unusual on my part to stay everynight at Mom's house, but it was nice to get time to really talk about things and not feel a little pang of guilt for rushing in-and-out as my previous visits typically merit.
A few of my closest friends tug at me to consider moving back "home" to CA, and I know Mom would like it too. This is something I won't comment on now. Without asking, I was offered a potential opportunity to work for a family business and mostly set my own hours and work 4 days/week. I'm taking all of this into consideration, but I have plans of my own and like how things are beginning to settle more after moving to "the city" just over a year ago.
The stinging reality of winter here has hit HARD. And I'm in the mood to write!
Not letting the "winter blues" overcome the daunting task of exercise, I braved the cold air. I've always considered myself somewhat of a diehard, NOT fanatic, and if I want to do something, damn it, I'm going to do it! So, after donning no less than a t-shirt, a turtle-neck and my sweatshirt along with gloves and sweatpants, I jogged more quickly than usual towards my route along the waterfront...until the words in my brain screamed, "What the fuck are you doing". It's 25 degrees! Wake-up!"(and I did in the brisk air) Turn around, go home, and do something else on your day off! And, so I did! The half mile I had completed was enough. My ears burned, my face numb! My previous reality of living in Eastern WA returned. Yes, sorry to harp, it's COLD! Upon returning I viewed the gray and frigid world from my "sweatbox" apartment of 70 degrees!
Today also marks the day I didn't start classes. I just wasn't into it! The commute, the massive commitment to endless reading and lab experiments. I've been through this before, and the classes I need are not condusive to online study...something I wouldn't care to do after spending a fair amount of time on the computer already! After getting my degrees the old-fashioned way, I can't imagine having no input and sitting at a terminal to receive assignments and meeting only 1/month with a "study group". I know many get their degrees this way now, it's just not my style. I like the student/instructor interactions of the classroom and feel that anyone that has only done the "online degree" program, is GREATLY missing-out on a positive experience. Such is life now!
I rung-in the New Year with the view of fireworks shot from the Space Needle. Karla and Terry have a unique and interesting view from their place, and we made it back from the Pub with minutes to spare. I was the assigned "champagne pourer" and after a digital countdown from my cellphone, all of us toasted a promising New Year! (And not to forget Steve May's place. We hopped in the car and made it to his house LATE, and had ourselves a 2nd toast!)
And I don't make resolutions. Never had! The best to all!