I love my life.

I had a very fun, enjoyable chat on line with the_marchioness and adventurat this morning, and it reminded me of how much I missed hearing about what was up: what kind adventures are semioticwarrior's Thing number 1 and 2 getting into? How is alysonl's Em getting used to school life? How is bijoux getting back into life in So. Cal.? And how are the jennlynnfs's adjusting to the idea of a growing family? Has the_mongrel left for Indonesia yet? Is she already back? What is raw_wonders writing now?

I can't begin to express how excited and happy I am right now, to be in this moment, to be in this place. Things have been so wonderful here and I'm delighted to report that the move has been a very good one.

The air was cool this morning; it took me an additional 15 minutes to work up the courage to brave the cold and get out of bed in our sixty-degree apartment (we're still trying to fight turning on the heater). In preparation for our walk to work, I wound a scarf around my neck and wrapped my triple-layered torso in a puffy purple coat, smiling at my darling Dr. J as he teased me.

For all my complaining, I love the invigorating sensation of breathing cold air. Dr. J and I had a lovely walk to work this morning; the trees have commenced their fall fashion show, and I am very happy to see their daringly bold color. The neighbors have put out their carved pumpkins for Halloween. The pumpkins sit on fence posts and porch steps, greeting passersby, and I can't help smiling each time I see one; they're orange! And so adorably happy!

It's been a relaxing day in lab, and I am happy to have the opportunity to tackle a paper that has been haunting me for quite some time now.

Happy Fall.