SNOW!

My white yard!
Originally uploaded by redbat.

When I was in elementary school, I used to wish, wish, WISH for snow during the winter so we could have a day off from school. (oh, who am I kidding? I wished all the way through college and beyond!) Sometimes I'd wake up seeing what I believed was snow on the grass, only to find out once my eyes adjusted that it was only white frost.

So imagine my surprise in early December when I woke up to snow! Not just a white dusting, but snow, snow, SNOW everywhere! I felt giddy like a little kid—and also a bit nervous in an odd way. Was winter really here? Would I be dealing with this from now on over the next 3 or 4 months? Was my old arthritic car ready? Thank goodness I had a snow shovel (a generous gift from Berkley's dad just the day before!), because I certainly needed it.

This was a Tuesday—a regular work day—and yet I felt as though I should be running around outside and building snowmen. In the end, I settled for watching the snow fall out my office window and a noontime break outside. It was beautiful!

The snow has since melted away. We've even had a few downright spring-like days, but I know that one of these mornings I'll wake up seeing white frost on the grass, only to find out once my eyes adjust that it's actually snow…

Snow photo 2

My car, Kipper, covered with snow
Originally uploaded by redbat.

PETS ARE DIFFERENT HERE

A good way for me to wind down and keep my computer-fatigued shoulders from cramping up is to go running. It gets me outside in the fresh air, gives me time to think, and makes me feel great. It also gives me a chance to really take in my surroundings, so what better way to explore my new town than to run through its neighborhoods?

I've run past cats, dogs and even geese on my various routes in Portland, but my first run in La Grande produced quite a different assortment of animals. In addition to the usual array of pets, I ran past horses, cows, and even some miniature donkeys. But what really caught my attention was toward the end of my route. I rounded a corner and was greeted by a group of…CHICKENS! Yep. Chickens—right in the center of a driveway—clucking happily and pecking at the gravel. They didn't even seem to mind that I was there.

How quaint is THAT?!

A NEW HOME

Eastern Oregon Mountains
Originally uploaded by redbat.

I actually did it! I peeled myself out of my Belmont apartment (after 8 years!), packed up all of my junk, and moved across the state! It was difficult (and continues to be) to leave all of my friends and family, but I really think that this was the right decision for me. I figured that if I didn't push the edges of my comfort zone while I still had only myself to think about, I never really would.

So here I am! Yep. In La Grande, Oregon--almost 300 miles from Portland. The slower pace, the less-expensive rent, and the absolutely BEAUTIFUL surroundings are all constant reminders that this was a good choice.

This blog is a way for me to keep in touch with everyone and share some of my experiences in my new home. Don't expect any great, profound statements on my part, just silly little happenings in the (new) world of redbat... :)