reset

There's something about getting away from it all and exploring a new place that just refreshes me. It breaks up the monotony in a way that washes away all the built-up frustrations and injustices (both perceived and real) and gives me the proper perspective on things. And hopefully, when I return, I am able to start over in a better place mentally.

This past week I have been at UW in Seattle, WA and UT in Austin, TX helping Ger to explore her college options. =) Two very different campuses and cities, and each one enticing in its own way. We took campus tours and then walked around and explored the engineering & chemistry buildings as well as the college row (The Ave at UW and The Drag at UT) and downtown area of each city. I realized yet again how much I really like the hustle and bustle of college campuses, with students hanging out and studying together, tabling for various causes, and scurrying off to class, not to mention the promise of excellent coffee in close proximity to the campus (and in the case of Austin, breakfast tacos!). My overall impression: I love Seattle (reminds me of SF) and would even consider tolerating the rain for the awesome sushi and Pike Place Market, but in terms of academics and a college experience I personally think UT Austin is the place to be- I've never seen such a high concentration of orange in one place before! HAHA...longhorns....grumble...Anyway, it will be exciting to see what Ger decides, and I'm glad I got to help in the process. =D

I also got in some really nice family time, and much-needed E time. =) So important for helping to ground me and keep things in perspective.

Now it's back to San Diego...! time to board my flight.