Whatever It Is

I'm back in Bend and things feel right in the world, for a change. And my return has brought me the chance to work with my coworkers at UOCC again (who have so kindly taken me back to work remotely).

On the work front, I feel extremely lucky to be able to step back in at the UO. It's still unclear exactly how this will all work, or how long I'll be helping out, but there are a number of benefits to me... most importantly that I get to work with people who I care about very much and with whom I have had a great relationship. I also feel needed, wanted, and... good at my job! which is something I may have under-rated previously. It's nice to know what's going on. It's nice to understand some of what's expected of you. And to be appreciated for that. Of course I knew this when I worked there. And my reasons for leaving -- my desire to do something with a larger impact -- are still my desires, but I don't know how I want that to look since I know I don't want to do that through teaching. So it seems like a good place for me to be right now.

Because it's so nice to feel good and happy! On Tuesday especially I was on the biggest high. It's fall, my favorite season, and it was a beautiful sunny but cool day in Bend, with just a little snow on the mountains so far. I started working again with my office and every person who chatted me on the computer brought the biggest smile to my face and I thought wow, I really like this person. I really missed her. I missed feeling so comfortable and happy talking to someone. I really missed these people and these relationships. I got to spend time with my family (lots of time since I'm working from home!). So, yes, things do get better in time; I guess sometimes you just need to take drastic steps to make it better, even if those drastic steps seem to be correcting other steps made.