My Smart Cookies

This week I made cookies from scratch for the first time by myself, and for the second time ever.  To be honest, the first time shouldn't count because I really didn't do much...I just kinda sat there and watched my friend make the cookies. I did provide the butter and some jokes, so I was contributing something.

I'm sure the fact that I baked cookies seems like a random thing to blog about, but I was really proud of my work. The cookies were not perfect, but they're edible, which is a win in my book.  Also, I've been looking for something to occupy my time.  I've never really had a hobby per se, and for the last couple of years my life pretty much revolved around work and school.  Now, I have way too much time on my hands, and I'm trying to find things to fill it.

Cooking/baking has always been something that has intrigued me, but I just never had the motivation to try.  Sure, I can cook for myself, but preparing meals for one can be expensive, and it's not as fun.  I've cooked for friends before, but it's not something that ever really stuck.  Maybe now it will.

I'm not going to be on the Food Network anytime soon, but my venture into baking was a fun and satisfying one.  Plus, chicks dig a guy that can cook.

My New Theme Song

I stumbled across a new musical artist by the name of Peter Bradley Adams, and I was shocked that I hadn't heard of him eariler. While I was listening to his new album I came across a song that sums up how I've been feeling for quite some time now...

My New Gig

Tomorrow is my first day as an Academic Advisor at Texas State University. Right now, I'm a combination of nerves and excitement, but all I know is it's going to be good to be working full-time again. Let's just hope I can get myself used to a traditional 8-5 schedule...I don't think I've ever had one before.

My Reminiscence

Earlier tonight I was driving one of the back roads in San Marcos in order to get to know the city a little better, and for some reason it reminded me of living in Portland. I guess it reminded me of exploring my new surroundings a few years back, so I started to become nostalgic, and I started to miss Portland. The clouds and cold didn't help matters either.

Now, don't get me wrong, I don't regret leaving Oregon because it was the right move, but there are a lot of things that I'm going to miss. While I don't see myself ever living there again, I know that I'll be back to visit sooner rather than later.

At first, I was a little thrown by these memories because I'm not the most sentimental person in the world, but I guess it hit me that here I am starting from scratch all over again. I pride myself on my adventurous spirit and longing for new things, but I was also reminded that constantly moving around in order to have these new experiences leads to a lack of familiarity...a lack of feeling at home.

Maybe San Marcos (or better yet, Austin) will be it for me, and I'll finally start laying down some roots, or maybe I'll be off to somewhere new in a couple of years, but at least I know that I want someplace to call home before it's too late.

My New Digs

I'm finally all moved in to my new place in San Marcos, and it's a huge weight off of my shoulders. It's a nice place, and I'm excited to be here. The next thing in line is my first day of work at Texas State on Monday. Man, it's been a crazy whirlwind, but in the best way possible. Let's start writing this new chapter...

P.S. - All of this craziness reminded me that I have wonderful parents. I wouldn't be anywhere without their love and support.