Yeah, disagreeing, even strongly with women who choose to have an abortion justifies a purposeful attempt to murder many people.

Riiiiiight.

*shudders at the questionable mental health of many people*

Slowly settling in here bit by bit. My room is nice, my roommate is pretty cool and I'm figuring out where the immediate necessities are around the area (work, grocery store, Target, ChikFilA, Slevins, etc.). I met some new people out Friday night at a nice local place down the street from where I am staying and we may go to Bush Gardens this weekend. My sister came out for dinner last night, which was nice. Work is going pretty well for being three days into it.

There is something very different from the midwest here that I can't quite put my finger on, but it's a good thing. It's something about the actual air I think, it just FEELS different, better to me. I walk around (it's been in the low to mid 80s the last few days) and it feels so perfect and so summery, smells so good and just rejuvenates me. I'll never be able to explain it in words, but it gives me a relaxed and positive feeling much like I get when I'm in NC at the beach. I have deer and beautiful birds in the back of where I'm staying and there are flowers EVERYWHERE here.

Just a quick note to let you know that I arrived safe and sound in Williamsburg, VA last night. I don't currently have regular internet access but will once I start my job on Monday probably. I also chopped off my hair right before I left. It's much shorter, kind of flippy and choppy on the ends. It felt cleansing to have the weight from it gone and I am still getting used to it but I like it I think.

I'll check back in soon.

Tragedy in Virginia

I just don't even know what words can convey the sorrow and pain I feel over the Virginia Tech shootings yesterday. Way back when I started my college career I spent a brief semester at Virginia Tech on a music scholarship, residing in West AJ hall, the very hall that yesterday's massacre began in. Though I went on to seek my education elsewhere, my short time in the community allowed me to see the unique commitment and dedication people in the local area, the students, the administration and the alumni had to a safe and beautiful institution.

My sister then went on a few years later to attend Virginia Tech and graduate with her bachelor's degree in 2003. Our family was again linked tightly to the community and the university, cheering Michael Vick and adoring the campus and it's natural beauty. Football games, parent's weekends, graduation, all fun and enjoyable times on this great campus.

Now, in what is considered one of the safest institutions there is this tragedy, so many young lives ended senselessly, so many families devastated, so much impact we have yet to see and feel. As I prepare to leave tomorrow for Virginia we will drive back passing by Blacksburg and heading to an area that is no doubt heavily affected, as so very many people where I'll be living have kids at Virginia Tech, are alumni, support the university in some way.

My heart goes out to the families who lost their children in this tragedy. My thoughts are with the people impacted both directly and indirectly. We are here, supporting the people of the campus, of the community, and indeed of all schools everywhere where our children and others will undoubtedly be affected by this senseless violence in the long run.

GO HOKIES.

One Week and Counting

Without going into details of how totally insane my life is right now, I just wanted to give everyone a heads up that I am proceeding with my move and leaving next Wednesday for my new life and new job in Virginia. I've updated my email address on my blog so that folks can continue to get a hold of me while I'm in transition and after the move. I really appreciated the blogger community here in the C-U area, and really hope I can discover and become part of an equally cool one in my new home base area.

In any case, here's to moving on to a new phase of my life, and hopefully one that is positive, energizing and empowering.