nearly one yr update

I was told I would feel more comfortable after a year in a new place. I don't think so--I felt somewhat more comfortable after six months, but I don't think this place will ever feel like home. It's too homogeneous for me. But, it is a nice place to call home for a short period and I'm sure I will look back at it fondly. The most important right now is to take advantage of the new location--I am about five hours from so many different places and have the chance to visit many places I never had before. While, in the midwest, five hours doesn't really take you anywhere. I have the chance for many more experiences while I am here.