Clever Title

It is now in writing. I will be running away to the west coast in just a few short weeks. Officially working as an epidemiologist in Redding, CA I will be responsible for ten counties studying communicable disease and teaching data collection, analysis, and intervention strategies to public health workers.

The details of what actually do in the day-to-day will be relayed just as soon as I settle in. Saying adios to Texas on September 6th and looking to start in Shasta County on the 12th. Still have to get the specifics figured, i.e. house/apt, furniture, directions, etc. A man needs a good map and though I have visited I am far from well acquainted with the area. There are a few beautiful park/reserves surrounding the little town.

Skiing is a quick 45 minute trip to Mount Shasta, the beach is a couple hours west through he redwoods, kyacking, climbing, hiking, camping, biking are all handy at Whiskeytown Lake Park just a few minutes down the road. I will look to get a road bike right away as there are amble bike lanes and the office is not too far from anywhere that I would live in town. With the weather there it is likely that I will be able to bike at least eight months a year. I was told that it rarely, if ever snows which is good news for my car, I think. It will not be required that I get an all wheel drive vehicle.

Other than preparing for this next exciting step in the journey I have been hanging out with friends and family as much as possible. I have to make up for the last year of being totally inaccessible. Still have a few trip to make here and there but, I have some time and it is really amazing because I can breath easy knowing that I have a job and will soon contribute to society again as a working stiff again.

Went on a heck of a bike ride with my brother last week. They have really put a lot into those trails around downtown Houston. It was a blast seeing/realizing/appreciating what a developed world big city looks like. Bike is not so useful a mode of transport in the heat that we have been experiencing though. Good grief, I was drenched by the time we got back.

I love driving! The two thousand mile trek to North Cali may do a number on that but, for now I am really enjoying running my car all over this great, albeit hot, state of ours.

Visited with Carey, Dr. Shipp, and Dr. Sweeney this past week. They are psyched about my move and have promised to come visit though. Ol Doctor Venkatraj wants me to work on a project with him before I leave. I hope that we have enough time to get it done. It is dealing with breast cancer cell lines, chemotheaputic agents/treatments, and mRNA concentration via florescent in situ hybridization (FISH) technology (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/19562726/Single%20cell%20RNA%20insitu%202.pdf).

Back in the world of technology with an iPhone. Not sure how people make it without those clever little machines. The Nokia brick did ok for a bit but, it can't compete with the world at your fingertips.

In retrospect I learned an unbelievable bit about life this past year. There are tough times. Life is now. I am not as good at reading people as I thought. Skepticism can be really handy. God is good no matter where you are. I love America.

Apologies for the chaos of this wandering post but, I had lots to catch you up on and no outline to work from. I do hope this post finds you very well. Blessings to you on this beautiful Sunday.