And in this month's news...

I just noticed that my last post wast July 13. It is now August 24 and I have started my MBA program at Willamette. I am still interested in keeping this blog as a tracking tool for all the changes and new experiences over the next several years. A public diary that will help me remember things and stay accountable for others.

So for my own notes and possible expansion and explanation letter here is a short (or not so short) list of things that I have accomplished since July 13:

• Packed up most of our belongings and shipped it via U-Haul U-Box on July 24
• Completed work on July 29 
• Shipped my car from Anchorage to Tacoma on August 1
• More packing, cleaning and preparing duplex for rent during the first week of August (including painting, and FINALLY finishing our flooring project)
• Flew to Portland with our dogs on August 6
• Arrived at new apartment in Portland
• Picked up car from Tacoma and drove back down along the Washington and Oregon coasts (and visited Aberdeen, WA -- home of Nirvana)
• Explored Portland, including Oregon Zoo, VooDoo Donuts, Powell's Books, Santeria (Mexican restaurant with surprise strip club in bathroom), and taking the MAX
• Watched the Meteor Show at the Woodstock Mystery Hole (also explored wonders of the Mystery Hole and took a trip down the Mystery Pole)
• Spent time with family in Portland (including two young nieces!) and an old friend from high school
• Purchased a new mattress and took my first trip to Ikea
• Put together Ikea bed frame, nightstands and couch (!)
• Completed orientation week for the Willamette MBA program (included trip to Willamette Valley Vineyards and day at the ropes course)
• Started first semester as Willamette MBA student

Phew! Writing that list made me exhausted. Or wait, that's the reduction in sleep making me exhausted. I am commuting from Portland to Salem four days a week. There have been so many busy and fun things that I want to provide updates on, but I think I will work on those as I have time. Future updates will focus on Hammer real time.