The end of an "odyssey"

I apologize for the nearly two-month gap between posts. My final few days in Dar Es Salaam before coming home were fairly hectic (I became seriously ill, nearly hospitalized). I'd written a "final" post to give a sense of closure, but the computer crashed as I was finishing it, and I was too frustrated and tired to write another. Sorry!

As things stand now, I've just moved in with my brother in Ashland, Oregon (home of the regionally-famous Shakespeare Festival). The previous two weeks were a whirlwind of travel, friends, family, and food. Seriously, I could not believe how much fudge was all over the place around Christmas time. What's up with that? Can anyone eat so much fudge..? Anyway, it was amazing to see everyone again after such a long hiatus. A week back home and a week in Seattle ensured that I had a chance to catch up with nearly everyone I'd been missing (notable exceptions aside: Kent Naegeli and Brandon Schaefer, who were in Tokyo which is a bit too far away).

It's a good feeling to finally have a solid ground to stand on, though. It will be fantastic for me to live here with my brother, whom I haven't seen that often for the past...7 or 8 years. I'll commence looking for an interim job in Ashland while I eagerly await hearing back from business schools (update: I'm a fellowship finalist at the Moore School of U. South Carolina; wish me luck!). My goal is to become an apprentice baker for the next six months. I'd dig that.

That's about all I have left to say. To everyone who has read my posts, whether you made it known or not, thanks. I really appreciate those of you who've told me how you enjoyed what I wrote. It wasn't always positive, but what a great means of expression! I wish you all the best, and feel free to email me whenever you'd like:
farris.r.s@gmail.com
(since I'm no longer in Africa, I thought a change might be prudent).

Cheers

Rob