Sailing away...

Sailing on my own ship heading west and knowing I will be return I have done some reflection upon the past few months. Overall, life in the East has proven to be quite hospitable, despite the notion we have of some Easterners out West . I quickly adapted to the pace of the outdoor school, even the mountainless views. Yet, I can't help but make note of how easily some things become 'normal.'

+ When I first touched down I thought the vegetation looked like it had walked out of Dr. Seuss. Now, it is the friendly backdrop of my morning sunrise runs and the  Japanese kudzu we point out to kids while leaving campus.
+ Initially I was blown away by the fact that I could look over the bluff and see the Chesapeake Bay. Months later it is the place where I understand the integrated ecosystem and spend many dinners or classes walking the shoreline.

+We have a view over the bay facing West that produces some of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. Originally I wanted to sit out there for every glow of evening color, upon leaving I was selective about what sunsets I would chase down or find worthy wait out. The same goes for sunrises, if I didn't see potential in the morning I often wouldn't bother for my morning run.

+  Upon seeing the weekly schedule I originally was extremely intimidated about the courses on my plate. By the end of the season I was thrilled for nearly everything, but would merely peek at the schedule to see which of my awesome coworkers I got to work with.
+ Even if I want to squirm around GIANT spiders I can't. Those and stink bugs are an integrated part of life at EHOS.
+  Working extended days with the same weekly salary has become a part of life, and you just learn to prize the one class break you get a week and weekends have never been better.
+ As coworkers we live, eat, and play together... I get lonely if I don't see at least five of my coworkers every day.
+ When first arriving some things seemed like EHOS staff was speaking code. Now ding, NISWa, SLOP, Marshmallows, OD, EA, Mrs. Honey's Pizza have all become a part of daily vocabulary...and continuously entertaining on a daily basis.
+ I thought fall on Wilson in Bozeman was something to see. I had no idea how many autumn shades we were missing in our short Montana fall. Walking in a swamp in the fall is easily one of the most beautiful things I have experienced.
+  Humidity is not my friend.
+ I am very much still a child... JUMP for JOY!

+  Cities still are clearly not where I belong. I was able to visit D.C., New York, Richmond and Baltimore  To see the architecture and the pace of people is fascinating-not to forget their supreme international food selection. Cities are a lovely place to visit, but I find that my inner peace is in smaller communities where I am not always a face in a crowd and I can spend extended time in the fresh air.
+ I love that my job is getting paid for things that I thoroughly enjoy with people that understand what makes me tick. Now we just need a better and healthier selection of food.
+ I love running. I find it the best way to really understand where you are. Exploring by foot is way better than exploring by car, plus the extreme joy of running through excess amounts of color or hilly half-marathon tours can't be overlooked.

+ I will always be a proud Montanan.

Short, sweet and to the point. I am excited to be home and get a breather, but I know I will be more than ready to return to the Eastern shore this coming Spring.