Heading South

A lot has been happening lately. Thus, me not blogging. My New Year's resolution is to stop feeling bad about not blogging. I am not a blog star, millions of people worldwide are not anxiously waiting for my next installment. So I am going to chill and do what I can do.

I started my classes this week. Usually I take two, but this semester I was under some cracked out impression I could take four. It is not happening. I am compromising with three. Divine intervention came into play as the gods wisely did not clear one of my waitlists for a class. To be honest, I was not relishing the thought of taking Ethics anyway. My course load this semester now consists of Public Speaking, Introduction to Art, and US History (the first half). So far, only Public Speaking is pissing me off almost two weeks in. Not too bad, one out of three classes. Besides a couple of dumb missing credits like gym, yours truly has an associates degree pretty much in the bag. I will probably take it easy for a year or so, finish up some pre-reqs, and then transfer to Cal State East Bay. The California higher education system is really something to behold. It is ridiculously cheap not to mention technology friendly as most courses these days can be taken either online or in hybrid form meeting just a couple of times a semester. Yes, our roads are in bad shape and the state is beyond bankrupt. But I, my friends, will have a diploma in a couple of years. Sweet!

Work is going well. I got pushed back to day shift starting in July for a year, but this is not set in stone. There is some possible shuffling around to be done and I may be able to get back to my beloved overnights. Keep your fingers crossed. Mark + days = bitter, bitter on the wall, who's the bitterest of them all?

In a surprising turn towards adulthood, I am biting the bullet and beginning to look into purchasing my first home. The housing market in Northern California is not nearly as bad as it is in other areas of the country, but there are definitely bargains to be had. I suppose I have avoided up until now out of a comination of factors; fear of perminently owning something, not really understanding the process of buying a home (not that I do yet anyway!), and being priced out of the market here. So with interest rates so low and me not having any decent tax deductions, my hand has been forced. A good friend from work is taking me through the process and has been invaluable in explaining everything to me. While I am still apprehensive, I am also excited to be starting a new chapter in my life.

In the midst of all of this, I had planned a quick trip to Mexico City with Kellie a couple of months ago. I have been to Mexico City a couple of times when I was working for United, but never more than time enough for dinner and drinks. I am really excited to explore some of the town. I am a big fan of most things Mexican and we are both looking forward to seeing the Frida Kahlo house, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the Pyramids as well as eating ourselves into oblivion. I made reservations at a cool bed and breakfast and it will be nice to get away for a couple of days, even if it is not the best time with everything else going on.

So, I will be off in Mexico City for a few. Today is my mom's birthday, so Happy Birthday Mom! Still going strong at 69.

Hope you are all doing well and staying warm this fun winter. Cuidate.