59 Degrees in the Sun

Dear Friends and Family,

Today the high in Long Beach was 59 degrees. If I still lived in Indiana, I would have been dancing around in the streets in a tshirt today. However, as I go into my third winter living in California, I have become soft. I am no longer the brave Californian that wears a hooded sweatshirt and flip flops all winter. Instead, I have become the wimpy Californian that lives for socks, real shoes, and a hooded sweatshirt over my long sleeve shirt and under my coat. Come Spring, I might even carry an umbrella.

This year has brought about a lot of new changes in my life. In June, I left San Luis Obispo and moved to Long Beach. I left my job as a Coordinator of Student Development at Cal Poly and became an Associate Director of Student Services at DeVry University. I left living on-campus for living in a tiny little studio apartment. And, I must say, I'm glad I did.

In the fall, I started taking classes again and have now completed two classes in the Keller School of Management. I may get a second Masters in Human Resources or I might get a certificate or I might just gain some new knowledge. No matter what it's been a great learning experience for me so far and I've met some fabulous people. I never thought I'd see the inside of a classroom again after finishing my Masters degree a few years ago but when education is free it's hard to pass up.

This year my travels were fairly limited since I started a new job a few days after leaving my old job. However, I did have some time to go to Disneyland, explore Universal Studios, go wine tasting in SLO, visit the hotel the "Cozy Cone" was modeled after, stop by the Wayfarer's Chapel, check out the Korean Friendship Bell, and visit a variety of other unique things in Southern California. I also took on the festival circuit again by checking out tofu and avocados. And I went to my first Lakers game, my first Kings game, and my first (and probably last) Long Beach Ice Dogs Game. Before the year is over, I have big plans to check out the Clippers. Who knew I'd end up at so many sporting events?

I hope life is going well of all of you and that your holiday seasons are filled with many joyous moments. Although I am really bad at staying in touch, I do think of all of you often.

Love,
Michelle