Couple of other things

While the photos of the drive back from Seattle point to hilarity and weird behavior, we also talked about our last year. I've been thinking about it some more since I came home.

1. This year has brought tremendous change. A year ago, I was finishing up my last job and planning on a move that was less than two weeks away. I can't really remember how I got through that last stretch of NJ days other than it was one of the most painful experiences of my life. In the last year, both BP and I moved across country, started new jobs and dealt with other challenges. We are probably the only two people who can really understand how that has affected us.

2. We both like our new jobs. There are things I love and hate about my new job. The difference is that I am no longer passionate about either the like and/or the dislike. I wasn't sure how I would react to a job at a much smaller institution or a different type of position. As I said from day one, working at a smaller place has been great. I can do different things and expand my skills. I do not miss my old job for one second. I miss the people but I don't miss the insanity.

3. We both love Portland. I've loved many places I've lived but Portland is close to the top. Chicago will always be home but I am starting to feel more connected to the Pacific Northwest. Last year, I had a choice between Chicago and Portland and I am glad I chose Portland. The city has a great vibe, I've made some great friends and nurtured older friendships, and I can have good food/beer at anytime. I do miss the diversity of NJ or Chicago.

4. Friendships. I've known BP for 7 years. I've known B&A for 16 years (ok that just freaked me out a bit). I've had other friends for less than a year. What I love about all of this is that we go through ups and downs but everyone understands those downs. We don't judge. We are all low maintenance. I recently reconnected with some old college friends and it almost feels like yesterday. I love the ability to pick up where we left off even though our lives have become so drastically different. It all boils down to those connections we made in the first place and it transcends time or lifestyles.

5. Laughter is the best medicine. I laughed so hard today that I cried. I haven't done that in a long time. It is kinda like the subtitle of the blog about having my soul back. I don't but I am getting closer. Letting loose and sharing the same quirky sense of humor with a good friend is one more step to getting back on the right path.