Month three. Time for Zee.

Time flies, one might say. One might also take accountability for a lack of coherent updates. Or, one might make a series of excuses that highlight the many ways in which life has been busy and great and altogether more important than a blog that no one reads.

However, this writer will refrain from such activities and instead forge ahead.

It is now December, and there are many things to say.

The most important update I can give is to note that Oak Vale has a new resident! Her name is Aziza, and this hairy little one crawled into my life shortly after her abandonment on Halloween.

The day we met.

 Home has benefited greatly with the new company. Someone greets me at the door every day, mewing loudly for food, attention, or some other unknown need that I have yet to satisfy. The language barrier is a significant one, I admit. But I think we can make this work. We disagree on how much she should be fed - I have been instructed to provide 3/4 cups of dry food each day, while she prefers food constantly. When she first arrived she was ridiculously underweight, but we had to start rationing once she made it clear she can eat (and then excrete) her own weight daily if left to her own devices. 

We also disagree on what is and isn't a cat toy. Azi considers anything she can sink claws or teeth into to be her domain. This includes paper towels, tea supplies, my earrings, my socks, my hands and feet, and all the furniture. No real damage has been done so far, so I continue to pretend I am in charge. Also, any food left in the open is fair game - Zee loves tortillas! 

She's pretty much twice as big now. 

Another point of contention surrounds the concept of sleep. Azi gets hers in bits and pieces throughout the 24-hour period, and doesn't understand the concept of sleeping through the night.  Her favorite toys while I sleep are the earrings attached to my head. This makes for painful and disconcerting wakings. She has lost bed privileges on multiple occasions.

Notice the lack of earrings in this picture. She's still trying though.

So yeah. It's pretty much love at first sight. There isn't much more to say than that. 

Other things happened too. But this is the most important one. Welcome to Oak Vale, Zee!

Week One

I've been a resident of Oak Vale for one week now. We arrived to an empty office and a full voice mailbox. Luckily, the apartment was unlocked, and we occupied the place for the weekend without any official word from the powers that be.

After the initial uncertainty, we sorted through the move-in paperwork and I shuttled my parents off to the Portland airport. I've been on my own since midday Monday.

There have been some definite high points to my week. I met some fun people who have been very nice and inclusive. I have an apartment that is nicely furnished, and a kitchen that is fairly well-stocked.

On the other hand I still don't know much about what my first day will look like. It's just me and my little houseplant so far (which my sister graciously sent me as a housewarming gift). I don't feel alone.. so much as I feel like I am at a slight remove. My friends and family are in another state, and the people I've met are still so new.

It's been a good week overall. Despite the initial absence of management, and many hours alone in my new home, it's been a productive time with some good social moments as well. Here's to my first week of work.

Off to Oak Vale

Welcome to Oak Vale! This blog is a place to write about my experience in the Pacific Northwest. I move tomorrow, so now seems like a good time to set the scene.

Corvallis, Oregon is a small (pop: 55,000) city about 20 minutes off the I-5 between Eugene and Portland. It is the home to Oregon State (Go Beavers?), and about 26,000 students during the school year. Corvallis is Latin for "Heart of the Valley." Which valley? The Willamette, damnit!  

My fellowship will take me to Corvallis and its surrounding three-county area for the next two years. I'm about to become a real public health professional! It's an exciting time. Don't expect to hear too much about work. 

As a caveat, I am a fan of Welcome to Night Vale, thus the name. When I make a silly reference to anything Night Valian, I'll let you know. For instance, here is a picture of my housing development!

I even found a realtor on the property!

Oak Vale is a woodsy little place approximately one mile away from my office. We visited and found a deer and cat friend! I'll be moving in on September 27th. 

The WtNV reference above is in purple. If you click the link you'll find some Night Valian deer info. See? Easy peasy. Also, WtNV is a pretty amazing podcast. Check it out. But I'll try to make this a blog accessible to all. 

So, yeah. There's that. 

Today is a day of packing. I've picked up my trusty U-Haul, and will shortly be filling it. 

Pricey, but the camels came free.

That's all for now. See you on the other side!