Realizations

It is week number three here in Riverside, California, and I am having a great time. I am learning a lot more than I ever thought I would. First and foremost, the term "I never want to live here" has never seemed more clear than it does right now. Riverside is defintely not on the top of my "places to live" or even "places to visit" list. The people all seem to be pretty nice, but the entire city smells like manure and there is very little to do within 25 minutes of the city. Oh well. I have also decided that I am probably going to stick with this job for another year. There are parts of the job that can be very rough. I miss my family and my friends very much. The support that I've gotten from everyone has been wonderful. However, I have never enjoyed life as much as I am right now. I am not stressing out on a daily basis about my job and I am having a great time. It's good to learn a thing or two. Hopefully I'll learn more as time goes on.

NOTE: On January 20th, the man in this picture will begin his second term as the President of the United States....that face reflects confidence, honesty, and hope...ok, maybe not. I just hope he does something good in the next four years. 

Alec working from our outdoor office at UC-Riverside. I guess you can work outdoors in January when the high temp is in the 80's 

It was in Flagstaff, Arizona where I actually considered stopping for the day on my way out to California. Good thing I didn't. I drove through the beginning of a record snowfall. 

Alec and Scott giving two thumbs up to our accomodations "Phi Kappa Psi Bedquarters". It's been fun living out of a hotel room. I guess it's better than living out of a Honda Civic. 

Me with my Cousin Alicia during my New Years visit to New York City. 

Me with my roommate Scott.  

Me with Josh in San Diego. He really likes his Prada sunglasses 

Our friend Tiffany running along the beach.  

West Coast Sunshine

I never thought I'd be so happy to miss the midwest winter. I am currently in the midst of week two of my 4 week adventure in Riverside, California. While Riverside is no vacation spot, the Southern California sun is wonderful. I have already managed to spend time in San Diego, Santa Monica and Orange County. To top it all off, I've gotten to see friends as well. Anyhow, I just wanted to check in. All is well in California. I hope everyone is staying warm at home. Be back soon.