Arizona Life - Chapter I

Its kind of surreal to think that 34 years of my life fits in to a 5'x8'x4' box. True to form, I flew to Portland on Wednesday night, packed on Thursday and was on the road Friday morning. Also in total Fuji fashion, I stopped off in Long Beach to play some 7's rugby on Saturday. I thought my butt could use the rest and my legs could use a little run. And as I arrived into Phoenix Saturday night, there were fireworks going off, which I totally know were for my benefit... Phoenix was welcoming me :)

Right now, my entire life is sitting in the parking lot outside Suda's condo, waiting to be unpacked and set up in my new home. So, it still sort of feels like I'm on vacation. But, I'm sure that will go away when my alarm goes off tomorrow morning at 4:30 am... Suda and I have a 60 minute run to get in before I get ready for work. And then I report to my first day as a Math teacher. I'm scared to death to be teaching math - talk about a fish out of water. But, I think most of the math department will be going through a few growing pains because of the new computer based system.

Chatty gave me his Algebra I book (Teacher's Edition - Thank GOD!), so I have a bit of studying to do this week before I have to actually start teaching. The good thing about the first week of school, you don't really teach. You let the kids get to know you and you lay down the law. That means I actually have 2 weeks before I really have to know anything about Algebra.

Anyway, the reality of everything is starting to set in. I really did just move 1500 miles and I really do start a new job on Monday. I'm excited about the next chapter in my life while still having my friends and family in Oregon supporting me 100% along the way. I left so fast, that there was no time for tears and no time for long goodbyes. I like it that way.