Haven't given up...

...on this blog!  While I was driving home earlier today, I thought about how I haven't written in a while. So here I am!

Quick update: My dad visited for an extended holiday from December 17th until the 29th.  It was great to have him around, and although the trip itself was pretty low-key, I did enjoy some lunches outside on the patio, a brief hike along a nature trail, and a little competition on an 18-hole putting course (think miniature golf without the goofy obstacles).  It was also nice that he could be around with my mom on the days I worked, although my tutoring load was light around the holidays anyway.  I also had an opportunity to Skype with most of my old co-worker friends during an English dept. Christmas party--it was so fun to see all their faces again!

Tutoring is picking up again now that the ACT and SAT are about a month away.  My other job is going well, although the original task for which I was hired is wrapping up soon.  My future at the hospital job is unclear, although it sounds like the doctor I'm primarily working for would like to keep me on, budget permitting.

I will write more later, but I wanted to give at least a quick summary for those of you still dedicated enough to check my blog!  (THANKS!)

Random observation #13:  "Autumn-like" nature events are happening around here now, in January.  The other day, I smelled the familiar scent of fallen leaves in the air as some trees around the complex are dropping yellow leaves...enough that a good raking will be necessary!  Strange that it's delayed, but I admit I enjoyed the reminiscent scent.  The weirdest part was looking just beyond the fence next to the gradually transitioning tree to see four people in and sunbathing around the pool...  (It's a bit too cool for the pool, in my opinion, though!)